Tim Wellens claims victory in thrilling stage 15 at Tour de France

In a remarkable display of prowess, Tim Wellens from Belgium secured his first victory in a Tour de France stage on July 20, 2025, concluding stage 15 in Carcassonne. This year’s stage, which spanned 169 kilometers starting from Muret, was marked by intense competition and strategic maneuvers among the cyclists. Wellens took the lead through a significant attack from a reduced four-man breakaway group, maintaining dominance over the remaining distance. His win came with a margin of 1 minute and 28 seconds against compatriot Victor Campenaerts, solidifying his status as an accomplished rider. Wellens, age 34, celebrated this monumental victory while wearing the Belgian national champion's jersey, a tribute coming just before his nation’s national day. This accomplishment is particularly notable as it completes his achievement of winning stages in all three Grand Tours: the Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a España, and now the Tour de France. His successful strategy involved conserving energy and waiting for the opportune moment to strike during the final climb of the race, allowing him to build a substantial gap before the final descent into Carcassonne. Tadej Pogacar, Wellens' teammate, continued to retain the yellow jersey as the overall leader, maintaining a lead of over four minutes ahead of second-placed Jonas Vingegaard. While the main favorites finished approximately six minutes after Wellens, some climbers took advantage of the breakaway to position themselves better in the rankings. Carlos Rodriguez from Ineos Grenadiers moved into ninth overall, advancing by overtaking Ben Healy in the general classification. The chaotic nature of the race saw an early crash disrupt the peloton, leading to a separation among the top competitors. Pogacar attempted to control the pace to assist those who were delayed due to the accident, illustrating the camaraderie among cyclists amidst fierce rivalry. Wellens' triumph serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cycling, solidifying his legacy in the sport while enhancing the drama and excitement of this year’s Tour de France.