For the UAE Team Emirates – XRG team, it’s another exceptional day at the 112th Tour de France, but this time the main role was not played by Tadej, but by Tim Wellens. This exceptional 34-year-old Belgian cyclist secured victory in the 15th stage from Muret to Carcassonne with a top-notch performance. He was the strongest in the breakaway group, attacking 43 kilometers before the finish, which he reached with a solo ride.
»I am extremely happy for Tim, more so than for my own victories. In the last 45 kilometers, it was amazing to hear on the radio that he was gaining time against the chasers. I was thrilled with his ride, chapeau to him, he definitely deserved this victory,« Tadej said about his teammate’s success.
For Wellens, this was the 41st victory of his career and his first at the Tour, completing his collection of stage wins in all three Grand Tours, the Tour, Giro, and Vuelta. »Tim is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, he sacrifices a lot for me throughout the year, even in the classic races, which are some of his favorites. He always does everything for the team’s goals. Today he got the opportunity, grabbed it, and showed what a champion he is,« Tadej further commented on Wellens.
He finished the last challenge of the second week without complications in the main group, thus retaining the yellow jersey of the leader with a 4:13 advantage over Jonas Vingegaard (Visma Lease a Bike). Tomorrow is a rest day in Montpellier, and on Tuesday the race will continue with the 16th stage finishing on Mont Ventoux.
»I am extremely happy that the rest day is coming, I can’t wait for some rest, but it shouldn’t be too much because Mont Ventoux is next,« said Tadej, who has been dealing with minor health issues in recent days. »It seems like half of the bunch or even more has a sore throat and a stuffy nose. I’ve been one of those riders for a few days now, I think it’s due to too much exposure to air conditioning and consuming ice. It slightly damages the nose and throat, but otherwise, I’m fine,« Tadej continued.
Although he has a big lead, the Tour, where he is chasing his fourth victory, is not yet decided. In the last week, he also faces very challenging 18th and 19th stages in the Alps with summit finishes on Col de la Loze and La Plagne. »Obviously, we want to keep the yellow jersey all the days and bring it to Paris. I know it will be tough, but I’m ready for the fight. Jonas looked extremely strong yesterday, I’m up for it, ready for the battle. That’s all I have in mind, to come to Paris in yellow. I don’t have specific stage goals, we’ll see how the situation develops in the race, but primarily it’s about keeping the jersey,« Tadej added.