Meeus narrowly defeats Philipsen in Belgian showdown on Champs-Élysées

Jordi Meeus claimed a prestigious victory on the Champs-Élysées on Sunday in the 21st and final stage of the 110th Tour de France. The 25-year-old narrowly beat fellow Belgian and green jersey winner Jasper Philipsen in the sprint.

The pair were followed by Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen. Jonas Vingegaard takes home the yellow jersey and overall victory in this year's Tour.

"This is the biggest victory of my career. Everything went perfectly"

In a quick interview after crossing the line, Meeus couldn't believe his luck. "This is the biggest victory of my career. Everything went perfectly," he said. "I felt unbelievably good and I am very happy to have crossed the line. My first Tour was a very nice experience. To win today is an incredible feeling. The green jersey is a different story. I'm going to enjoy this victory now."

Meeus' victory marks the third year in a row that a Belgian rider has won the final stage of the Tour in the French capital. Last year it was Philipsen who triumphed on the Champs-Élysées, after Wout Van Aert (Team Jumbo-Visma) in 2021.

(BRV)

^{Belgian Jordi Meeus celebrates on the podium © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS}