Ben Healy Storms to Stage 6 Victory as Van der Poel Takes Back Yellow Jersey

Ben Healy of EF Education–EasyPost claimed a remarkable solo victory on Stage 6 of the Tour de France, while Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Deceuninck snatched back the coveted yellow jersey by a mere second

The thrilling stage, marked by strategic attacks and fierce competition, reshaped the general classification as Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) relinquished his lead in a dramatic turn of events.

Healy, the 23-year-old Irish cyclist, launched his decisive attack from a formidable eight-rider breakaway with 42 kilometers remaining. As he surged ahead, the chasers were unable to mount a resistance, allowing Healy to time-trial his way to the finish line in Vire Normandie and secure his first Tour de France stage victory. His performance not only showcased his exceptional talent but also sent ripples through the standings, propelling him up the general classification order.

“I knew this stage was going to be tough, but I felt strong and decided to take my chance,” Healy said after the race. “It’s an incredible feeling to win here, especially in such a prestigious event. I’m just grateful for the support of my team and the fans.”

Van der Poel was also part of the breakaway and demonstrated his tenacity in the final kilometers, battling fiercely to reclaim the yellow jersey. In a gripping finish, he edged out Pogacar, who chose to ease the pressure of leading the race, allowing the Dutchman to take the lead by a slim margin of just one second.

“The competition was fierce today, but I knew I had to give it my all to regain the yellow jersey,” Van der Poel commented. “It’s a privilege to wear it, and I’ll do everything I can to defend it in the coming stages.”

The stage concluded with an exhilarating two-up sprint for second place, where Quinn Simmons of Lidl-Trek outpaced Michael Storer of Tudor Pro Cycling after both riders attacked their breakaway companions approximately 30 kilometers from the finish. Their battle for the podium spot added to the excitement of the day, showcasing the relentless spirit of the Tour de France.

Stage 6 had the profile of an Ardennes Classic, providing the perfect backdrop for Healy’s masterpiece. From the moment the stage began, he demonstrated his intent to make a mark, attacking early and maintaining his momentum until the final moments.

As the Tour de France continues, the stakes are higher than ever, with riders eyeing the podium and the coveted yellow jersey. Fans can expect more thrilling action in the stages to come as the competition intensifies.

VIDEO: 2025 Tour de France Stage 6 Highlights

2025 Tour de France Stage 6 Top 10

1  Healy Ben EF Education-EasyPost 04:24:10
2  Simmons Quinn Lidl-Trek + 02:44
3  Storer Michael Tudor Pro Cycling Team + 02:51
4  Dunbar Edward Team Jayco-AlUla + 03:21
5  Yates Simon Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 03:24
6  Barta William Movistar Team + 03:29
7  Tejada Harold XDS Astana Team + 03:52
8  van der Poel Mathieu Alpecin-Deceuninck + 03:58
9  Pogacar Tadej UAE Team Emirates-XRG + 05:27
10  Vingegaard Jonas Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 05:27

2025 Tour de France GC after Stage 6

1  van der Poel Mathieu Alpecin-Deceuninck 21:52:34
2  Pogacar Tadej UAE Team Emirates-XRG + 01
3  Evenepoel Remco Soudal Quick-Step + 43
4  Vauquelin Kévin ARKEA-B&B HOTELS + 01:00
5  Vingegaard Jonas Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 01:14
6  Jorgenson Matteo Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 01:23
7  Almeida João UAE Team Emirates-XRG + 01:59
8  Healy Ben EF Education-EasyPost + 02:01
9  Lipowitz Florian Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe + 02:32
10  Roglic Primoz Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe + 02:36