Tim Wellens Claims First Tour de France Stage Victory on Stage 15

Belgian cyclist Tim Wellens of UAE Team Emirates-XRG secured his first-ever stage victory at the Tour de France, triumphing on Stage 15 with a remarkable breakaway win

The 34-year-old athlete conquered the challenging 169.3km route from Muret to Carcassonne, crossing the finish line a full 1 minute and 28 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor.

Body: After two weeks of dedicated service to race leader Tadej Pogacar, Wellens seized the opportunity to shine, breaking free on the final climb of the day. The stage, which followed three demanding days in the Pyrenees, was poised for a breakaway win, and Wellens capitalized on the ascent of the Pas du Sant, 55 kilometers from the finish.

Emerging from a lead group of eight riders, Wellens showcased his exceptional climbing skills alongside notable competitors Michael Storer, Quinn Simmons, and Victor Campenaerts. The group briefly regrouped during the long descent toward Carcassonne, but Wellens made his decisive move with 44 kilometers remaining, leaving the chasers unable to close the gap.

“I felt super good today,” Wellens remarked after his victory. “On the last climb of the day, I knew I had to go solo. I found my moment at the top of the climb and felt I had the legs to keep it to the end. I wanted to enjoy the moment and ride until the end, but I was so happy I forgot to put my bike in the air after the finish!”

Wellens' victory adds to UAE Team Emirates' impressive tally, marking the fifth stage win for the team in this year’s race, with Pogacar previously claiming the other four stages. Tadej Pogacar, who remains the race leader, crossed the finish line six minutes after Wellens, maintaining a comfortable lead of four minutes and 13 seconds over Jonas Vingegaard in the general classification standings.

“It is a very special victory,” Wellens continued, reflecting on the significance of his achievement. “Everybody knows the Tour de France, but not many people win in the Tour de France, so it was very beautiful.”

As the Tour de France progresses toward its final stages, Wellens’ victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cycling and the relentless spirit of its athletes. With one more rest day on the horizon, the remaining 166 riders will prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, as the race intensifies toward its conclusion.

VIDEO: 2025 Tour de France Stage 15 highlights

2025 Tour de France Stage 15 Top 10

1   Wellens Tim UAE Team Emirates-XRG 210 03:34:09
2   Campenaerts Victor Team Visma | Lease a Bike 150 + 01:28
3   Alaphilippe Julian Tudor Pro Cycling Team 110 + 01:36
4   van Aert Wout Team Visma | Lease a Bike 90 + 01:36
5   Laurance Axel INEOS Grenadiers 70 + 01:36
6   Vlasov Aleksandr Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe 55 + 01:36
7   Stuyven Jasper Lidl-Trek 45 + 01:36
8   Jegat Jordan Team TotalEnergies 40 + 01:36
9   Valgren Michael EF Education-EasyPost 35 + 01:36
10   Madouas Valentin Groupama-FDJ 30 + 01:36

2025 Tour de France GC after Stage 15 Top 10

1    Pogacar Tadej UAE Team Emirates-XRG 54:20:44
2    Vingegaard Jonas Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 04:13
3    Lipowitz Florian Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe + 07:53
4    Onley Oscar Team Picnic PostNL + 09:18
5    Vauquelin Kévin ARKEA-B&B HOTELS + 10:21
6    Roglic Primoz Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe + 10:34
7    Gall Felix Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team + 12:00
8    Johannessen Tobias Halland Uno-X Mobility + 12:33
9    Rodriguez Carlos INEOS Grenadiers + 18:26
10  Healy Ben EF Education-EasyPost + 18:41