IRISH cycling has a new star in Ben Healy, who on Monday (Tuesday, July 15, 2025, PH time) became only the fourth rider from Ireland to claim the coveted yellow jersey at the Tour de France.
His remarkable performance came during the race’s first mountainous stage, a gritty ride that saw him lead for much of the 165.3-kilometer route through France’s challenging Massif Central.
Though Healy ultimately finished third on the stage, behind winner Simon Yates, his combative effort was more than enough to seize the overall lead.
He now holds a 29-second advantage over three-time Tour champion Tadej Pogačar in the general classification, snatching the yellow jersey from the Slovenian’s grasp.
“It’s a fairy tale, you know,” an elated Healy said. “If you’d told me before this Tour, I think I wouldn’t have believed it. So a stage win and yellow jersey is just incredible and beyond belief, really.” Healy had already secured his first Tour stage victory just
last Thursday.
Healy joins an elite group of Irish cyclists to have worn the yellow jersey. He follows in the tire tracks of Shay Elliott, who won a stage in 1963; Sean Kelly, who led after Stage 9 in 1983; and Stephen Roche, the 1987 Tour de France champion.
“It’s some pretty crazy footsteps to follow, isn’t it,” remarked Healy, who, despite being born in England, represents Ireland through his Cork and Waterford-born grandparents. “I’m just super proud to represent Ireland and wear the yellow jersey for them and hopefully I can do it some justice.”
Healy began Stage 10 a considerable 3 minutes and 55 seconds behind Pogačar. However, he found himself in a large breakaway group, expertly forcing the pace over seven demanding category two climbs. He credited his EF Education-Easypost teammates Harry Sweeney and Alex Baudin for their “incredible” support in the break.
While UAE Team Emirates, Pogačar’s squad, surprisingly allowed the large breakaway to gain significant time, Pogačar himself mounted a late charge.
The defending champion finished the stage 4 minutes and 51 seconds behind Yates on the ascent of Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central. Healy, however, was only nine seconds behind Yates, cementing his
impressive performance.
Previously not considered among the pre-race favorites, with two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard expected to be Pogačar’s main challenger, Healy’s new status in the yellow jersey means a shift
in focus.
“It would be rude not to be,” he stated regarding a renewed focus on the general classification. “I’ve got to respect the jersey and I’m in quite a nice position now, I guess, to try and hold on for as long as possible.” / FROM THE WIRES