Pogačar Tranquil Before Final Week, Wellens Secures Stage 15 Victory

🏆 🇧🇪 @Tim_Wellens makes Belgium shine on this National Day eve!

🏆 🇧🇪 @Tim_Wellens fait briller la Belgique en cette veille de fête nationale !#TDF2025 | @Continental_fr pic.twitter.com/4AQehOy2EW

— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 20, 2025

The "bees" from Visma Lease a Bike have been relentless with their attacks at the 112th Tour de France, trying to break Tadej Pogačar. However, the world’s best cyclist and his UAE Emirates team have consistently found the right answers. With superb performances, the Slovenian star has built a commanding lead of 4 minutes and 13 seconds over his closest rival, Jonas Vingegaard, heading into the final week. Pogačar is firmly on track to defend his overall title and claim his fourth Tour victory.

Visma Lease a Bike riders attacked again in Stage 15, the final stage before Monday’s rest day. Early on the 169-kilometer route from Muret to Carcassonne, a crash occurred in the peloton, involving Vingegaard and Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe), both chasing Pogačar in the general classification. While Vingegaard hit the ground, some of his teammates chose to attack.

Pogačar avoided the crash by staying at the front and tried to calm the pace, but rivals still pushed on. After the stage, the world champion voiced criticism of Visma’s handling of their leader, who was left isolated behind.

"A crash for most of the favorites, including Jonas. I was in front with Tim (Wellens). There were three Visma riders there. We tried to slow things down. I don’t think it was fair what they did to Jonas. All three were attacking and trying to break away. I’m just glad Jonas and the others came back safely without injuries," Pogačar said.

"If I were Jonas, I wouldn’t be happy with my team racing like that in such a moment. He’s second overall and keeps proving his value. Stage wins are nice, but the GC is extremely important," he added.

Pogačar Dominates First Two Weeks

With four stage wins under his belt, Pogačar is comfortably in yellow. His victory on the Hautacam climb was particularly spectacular, and he confirmed his dominance the next day by winning the mountain time trial.

"I’d give the first two weeks a nine out of ten. I’d only deduct one point for losing Joao Almeida. Otherwise, it’s been fantastic. I’m looking forward to the rest day," Pogačar said.

The final week promises more drama with three mountain stages. On Tuesday, the peloton faces the iconic Mont Ventoux, and Thursday brings the queen stage with three hors-catégorie climbs and a staggering 5,450 meters of elevation gain.

"Our main goal is to defend the yellow jersey. We haven’t targeted specific stages. Jonas showed on Saturday that he’s racing at a very high level, so we expect his attacks in the mountains. The second week is usually easier in terms of climbing, but this year it’s been the hardest I’ve ever ridden due to the conditions and terrain. I’m happy with our position, but we can’t relax. There are still seven days left," Pogačar added.

Tim Wellens Takes Stage 15

Stage 15 belonged to Tim Wellens, who now has stage victories on all three Grand Tours. Usually Pogačar’s trusted domestique, the Belgian seized his moment of glory. On the final climb, about 40 km from the finish, Wellens launched a decisive attack and soloed to the biggest win of his career.

"I’m overjoyed for Tim. This win is something special," Pogačar said. "He works so hard in all the classics and training. This month, he’s been a key support for me in defending yellow. Listening to the radio for the last 45 km and hearing how he was gaining time on the chasers was amazing. I’m more thrilled for his victory than my own. He got his chance and grabbed it perfectly."