Wellens cruises to maiden Tour win on stage 15

Tim Wellens, the reigning champion of Belgium, won stage 15 to claim his first Tour de France stage victory.

The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider attacked on the final climb of the 169.3km route from Muret to Carcassonne after working for Tadej Pogacar during the opening two weeks of the Tour.

The 34-year-old finished third with French two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe in third place and fellow Belgian Victor Campenaerts in second place.

The UAE won the fifth stage of the race in Wellens, with Pogacar, the other four, joining the reigning champion, taking home.

Wellens referred to it as “a very special victory.” Everyone is familiar with the Tour de France, but not many people do so, so it was very picturesque.

The 166 riders who were still unaccounted for had a transitional stage before the Tour’s second and final rest day in Montpellier.

Wellens saw an opportunity on the final of the three categorised climbs, 55 kilometers up the Pas du Sant, when the stage was poised for a breakaway victory.

Michael Storer, Quinn Simmons, and Campeanaerts made up Wellens’ group of eight members as they began the ascent.

On the long descent to Carcassone, the group briefly recovered, but Wellens attacked with 44 kilometers left and the chasers never appeared to be closing the gap.

Wellens continued, “I felt really good.” “I felt really good on the last climb of the day.” I was aware that the other people were extremely supportive, but I also knew I had to go solo. I reached my peak and felt like I had the tools to carry it all the way to the end.

I wanted a big gap so I could enjoy it and maybe even fly my bike up after the finish line, but I was so happy I didn’t want to. “I knew I had to enjoy the moment. I continued riding until the finish line.”

Pogacar, a three-time Tour champion, continued, “I’m happier for him than when I win.” Beyond happiness

A 171.5 km ride from Montpellier to the finish line and a massive climb up Mont Ventoux will take the course on Tuesday.

Due to the terrain, the time trial on Friday, the climb, and yesterday’s 5, 000m elevation gain, Pogacar said, “This week was one of the hardest second weeks of the Tour that I have ridden.”