Tim Wellens etched his name into cycling history by securing his first-ever Tour de France stage win on stage 15, a 169.3km hilly route from Muret to Carcassonne.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider, known for his tireless support of team leader Tadej Pogacar, seized his moment to shine with a masterful solo breakaway, completing a coveted Grand Tour stage win trifecta, having previously triumphed at the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana.
The stage, featuring three categorized climbs, was tailor-made for breakaway specialists. Wellens, freed from his domestique duties, joined a strong lead group including Michael Storer, Quinn Simmons, and Victor Campenaerts.
Sensing his opportunity on the final climb, the Pas du Sant, the 34-year-old Belgian launched a decisive attack with 43km to go, powering away on the descent and building an unassailable lead. He crossed the finish line in Carcassonne 1 minute 28 seconds ahead of Campenaerts, with Julian Alaphilippe taking third after mistakenly celebrating, unaware of the riders ahead due to a broken radio.
“It’s a very special victory,” Wellens said. “Everybody knows the Tour de France, but not many win it. I felt super good today and knew I had to go solo.”
The stage was not without drama. An early crash disrupted the peloton, delaying GC contenders like Jonas Vingegaard and Florian Lipowitz, while Alaphilippe soldiered on with a dislocated shoulder.
Only Tim enjoyed that win more than Tadej 😆
Tim Wellens wins Stage 15 of the Tour de France with a powerful solo ride after working tirelessly for team leader Tadej Pogačar.
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🇫🇷 #TDF2025 pic.twitter.com/z0mMRYQaA1— Velon CC (@VelonCC) July 20, 2025
