Tim Wellens Claims First Tour de France Stage Win

Posted : 21 July 2025

Belgian cyclist Tim Wellens secured a memorable victory on Stage 15 of the 2025 Tour de France, marking his first-ever stage win in the world’s most prestigious cycling race. The 34-year-old UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider broke away from the lead group on the final categorized climb of the day and rode solo to the finish line in Carcassonne, completing the 169.3km route from Muret with a winning margin of 1 minute and 28 seconds.

Wellens, who has spent much of the Tour working in support of race leader and teammate Tadej Pogacar, was given the green light to ride for himself during this transitional stage. Seizing the opportunity, he launched a decisive attack on the Pas du Sant climb, 55 kilometers from the finish. While several riders, including Victor Campenaerts and Michael Storer, attempted to follow, Wellens' effort proved unmatched.

Victor Campenaerts of Belgium claimed second place, while France’s Julian Alaphilippe, a two-time world champion, finished third. Pogacar, who retained the yellow jersey, arrived safely in the peloton nearly six minutes later, preserving his 4-minute 13-second lead over Jonas Vingegaard in the general classification.

This stage win marked the fifth for UAE Team Emirates during the current Tour, with Pogacar having won the previous four. Reflecting on his achievement, Wellens described the moment as “very special,” adding, “Everyone knows the Tour de France, but not many people get to win a stage. It’s a beautiful feeling.”

After three demanding stages in the Pyrenees, riders welcomed a flatter terrain before heading into the second and final rest day in Montpellier. Despite being labeled a transition day, Stage 15 still featured three categorized climbs, the last of which proved to be Wellens’ launchpad to glory.

Explaining his strategy, Wellens said, “I felt great on the last climb. I sensed that the others were strong, but I knew I had to go solo. When I found the right moment, I just kept pushing. I wanted to enjoy the finish and maybe lift my bike in celebration—but I was so happy I forgot!”

Pogacar praised his teammate, saying, “I’m even happier for Tim than when I win. He deserved this.”

Looking ahead, the Tour resumes Tuesday with a challenging 171.5km stage from Montpellier to Mont Ventoux. With the Alps on the horizon, Pogacar acknowledged the difficulty of the past few days and emphasized the importance of staying focused: “This has been one of the toughest second weeks I’ve experienced in the Tour. The terrain, the time trial, and the climbs have been brutal. The gap is big now, but the mountains still ahead mean we can’t relax. We have to keep fighting.”

Tim Wellens Claims First Tour de France Stage Win

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