Tour de France: Tim Wellens impresses with stunning solo victory on transition stage to Carcassonne
On Sunday, Tim Wellens (UAE Emirates-XRG) claimed victory in Stage 15 of the 112th Tour de France. The Belgian national champion broke away alone with over 40 kilometres of the 169.3-kilometre transition stage from Muret to Carcassonne still to ride, and crossed the finish line with a lead of nearly one and a half minutes over his compatriot Victor Campenaerts (Visma–Lease a Bike), who took second place.
Former world champion Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor) won the sprint for third place from the chasing group, just ahead of Wout van Aert (Visma–Lease a Bike). Meanwhile, the yellow jersey holder, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Emirates-XRG) finished safely in the main peloton, over six minutes behind his Belgian teammate, Wellens. There were no changes at the top of the general classification.
First Tour win
This marks Wellens' first Tour de France stage win and his 41st professional victory. The rider from Limburg had previously won two stages each in both the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España. In late June, the four-time Renewi Tour winner claimed his first Belgian national road title in Binche. This is the fifth Belgian stage victory in this Tour, following those of Jasper Philipsen, Tim Merlier (who won two stages) and Remco Evenepoel.
On Monday, the peloton will enjoy a second rest day in this year's Tour. Racing resumes on Tuesday with a mountain stage. The riders will set off from Montpellier and cover over 150 kilometres of flat terrain before tackling the legendary Mont Ventoux, which is classified hors catégorie, with its challenging 15.6 km ascent at an average gradient of 8.7%.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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