Tour de France Stage 15 Recap: Wellens Shines, Pogacar’s Class, and Alaphilippe’s Confusion
By Jacob Whitehead, Jordan Halford and more
Date: July 20, 2025
The Tour de France never fails to deliver drama, spectacle, and the unexpected — and Stage 15 of the 112th edition was no exception. Spanning 169.3 km between Muret and Carcassonne in the sun-scorched southwest of France, this transitional stage served up a cocktail of triumph, sportsmanship, and a touch of puzzlement.
🇧🇪 Tim Wellens Seals a Popular Victory
In a stunning display of endurance and timing, Tim Wellens of UAE Team Emirates - XRG clinched a brilliant solo victory, crossing the line with raw emotion and unmistakable pride. The Belgian rider was part of a strong breakaway that formed early and managed to fend off late-stage chasers with a masterclass in race management.
This marks Wellens’ first Tour de France stage win — and what a moment to make history. As the peloton approached Carcassonne, the rolling hills and sweltering heat seemed to drain the energy from every rider except Wellens, who summoned the strength to ride clear and hold the gap.
His celebration was modest yet heartfelt — a fist pump to the sky — showing just how much this moment meant. After years of near misses, this win was a long time coming, and cycling fans across the globe celebrated alongside him.
🤝 Pogacar’s Sportsmanship Steals Hearts
While Wellens took the spotlight, Tadej Pogačar once again reminded the world why he’s not only a champion on the bike but also one off it. During a high-speed descent, a rival rider suffered a mechanical issue, and in a remarkable act of sportsmanship, Pogacar slowed the pace, allowing the rider to rejoin the group rather than taking advantage.
This moment of honor was a nod to the spirit of the sport — a refreshing contrast in a competition where every second can count. Pogacar’s gesture earned praise from commentators, fellow riders, and fans alike, solidifying his reputation as one of the peloton’s true class acts.
😕 Why Did Alaphilippe Celebrate at the Finish?
Perhaps the most talked-about moment — and one of the more confusing — was Julian Alaphilippe’s unexpected celebration at the finish line. Riding in the chasing group behind Wellens, Alaphilippe threw his arms in the air as he crossed the line, despite being several seconds behind the winner.
Was it a mistake? A miscommunication from the team radio? Or simply a moment of emotion overtaking clarity? No official explanation has been given yet, but fans speculated that he may have believed the breakaway was caught or that he was sprinting for the win. Either way, it added a surprising (and slightly humorous) twist to the day’s racing.
🔥 Stage 15 Takeaways
-
Tim Wellens gets his long-awaited Tour stage win — a moment of redemption and resilience.
-
Pogacar’s sportsmanship was a masterclass in cycling ethics.
-
Alaphilippe’s miscue brought confusion and a bit of light-hearted drama.
As the Tour de France rolls into its final week, tension continues to build. The mountain stages loom large, and while some riders chase the yellow jersey, others look to create lasting memories — just like Wellens did today in Carcassonne.
Stay tuned for more action as the roads get steeper, the attacks fiercer, and the stakes higher.
