Wellens Cruises to Maiden Tour Win on Stage 15 in Stunning Breakaway Performance
Belgian rider Tim Wellens made history on Stage 15 of the Tour de France, securing his first-ever stage victory in cycling’s most prestigious race. The 169.3km route from Muret to Carcassonne provided the perfect stage for Wellens, who demonstrated tactical brilliance and relentless determination to seize his moment of glory.
A key domestique for race leader Tadej Pogačar, the 34-year-old UAE Team Emirates rider broke free from the peloton in a daring early move—a rare opportunity for personal success in a Tour dominated by supporting roles. His triumph underscored the strength of the UAE Team Emirates squad, now boasting five stage wins in this year’s race.
A Long-Awaited Breakaway Success
For Wellens, this maiden Tour de France victory was years in the making. Known primarily as a versatile domestique, he spent the first two weeks tirelessly working for Pogačar, helping defend the yellow jersey through the grueling Pyrenees. But on Stage 15, with a transitional route separating the mountains from the looming Alpine battles, Wellens finally had his chance to shine.
An early breakaway formed, featuring strong riders such as Victor Campenaerts, Michael Storer, and Quinn Simmons. As the race reached the crucial Pas du Sant climb (55km remaining), Wellens made his decisive move, pushing ahead with Campenaerts before launching an electrifying solo attack on the descent.
I felt super good today, Wellens admitted afterward. On the last climb, I knew I had to go solo. At the top, I seized my moment—I had the legs to hold it all the way.
His gamble paid off spectacularly. With a 1-minute 28-second lead, Wellens crossed the line, arms raised in euphoria, etching his name into Tour de France lore.
Pogačar’s Team Continues Dominance
While Wellens stole the spotlight, Pogačar maintained his grip on the yellow jersey, finishing safely in the main peloton to preserve his 4:13 lead over Jonas Vingegaard. The Slovenian champion couldn’t hide his pride for his teammate, calling Wellens’ victory more special than his own.
Beyond happiness—this was a special day for Tim, Pogačar said with a grin.
The win marks UAE Team Emirates’ fifth stage victory this Tour, further solidifying their dominance. While Pogačar has claimed four of those, Wellens’ success proves that even their support riders are capable of extraordinary performances when given the chance.
The Road Ahead: Alps Loom After Rest Day
With the Pyrenees battered but conquered, Stage 15 provided a well-earned reprieve for the remaining 166 riders before the Tour’s second and final rest day in Montpellier. However, the easing of pressure is only temporary.
Tougher challenges lie ahead. Mont Ventoux, the legendary Giant of Provence, looms on Stage 16, followed by brutal Alpine stages set to decide the final podium. Pogačar acknowledged the exhausting efforts so far, calling this one of the hardest second weeks of his career—yet his confidence remains unwavering.
The gap is big, but we still have big mountains to come, he cautioned. We fight until the end.
Stage 15 Results & General Classification Highlights
Stage 15 Top 10:
1. Tim Wellens (Bel/UAE Team Emirates) – 3:34:09
2. Victor Campenaerts (Bel/Visma-Lease a Bike) +1:28
3. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra/Tudor) +1:36
4. Wout van Aert (Bel/Visma-Lease a Bike) – Same time
5. Axel Laurance (Fra/Ineos Grenadiers)
6. Aleksandr Vlasov (Rus/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe)
7. Jasper Stuyven (Bel/Lidl-Trek)
8. Jordan Jegat (Fra/TotalEnergies)
9. Michael Valgren (Den/EF Education-EasyPost)
10. Valentin Madouas (Fra/Groupama-FDJ)
General Classification After Stage 15:
1. Tadej Pogačar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates) – 54:20:44
2. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Visma-Lease a Bike) +4:13
3. Florian Lipowitz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) +7:53
4. Oscar Onley (GB/Picnic PostNL) +9:18
5. Kevin Vauquelin (Fra/Arkea-B&B Hotels) +10:21
A Victory Beyond the Podium
For Wellens, this win was more than just a line in the record books—it was a career-defining moment.
Not many people win in the Tour de France, he reflected post-race. It’s very special, very beautiful.
So overwhelmed by emotion, he forgot his planned bike-lift celebration, but the sheer euphoria on his face spoke volumes.
As the Tour de France heads into its final week, UAE Team Emirates remains the team to beat, with Pogačar in firm control of the yellow jersey. But if Stage 15 proved anything, it’s that this race is full of surprises—and Tim Wellens’ maiden Tour win stands out as one of the brightest moments of 2024.
With legendary climbs still to come, the best may still be yet to unfold. But for now, the cycling world celebrates a well-deserved victor in Tim Wellens.
