Tour de France 2025 Results: Tim Wellens Cruises to Maiden Tour Sieg on level 15

Whens' victory was a fifth step for the United Arab Emirates in this year's race, with the incumbent champion Pogacar claiming the other four.

“It's a very special victory,” said Wellens. “Everyone knows the Tour de France, but not many people win the Tour de France, so it was very nice.”

After three strenuous days in the Pyrenees areas, the 166 remaining drivers stood in front of a transition stage before the second and last day of rest in Montpellier.

The stage was looking for an outlier win and waves felt his chance of the last of the three categorized climbs, the Pas du Sant 55 km from the line.

Wellens came together with Michael Storer, Quinn Simmons and Campeanaerts from a main group of eight.

The group reformed shortly after the long descent to Karzasson, but moments later, Wellens grabbed 44 km and the chasers never looked as if the gap was closed.

“I felt super good,” added Wellens. “On the last climb of the day I felt really good. I knew that the others felt really good, but I knew that I had to go alone. At the top of the climb, I found my moment and I had the feeling that I had my legs to keep it.

“I knew that I had to enjoy the moment and rode up to the finish line because I wanted to enjoy a big gap and maybe put my bike in the air for the destination – but I was so happy that I forgot to do it.”

The three -time tour winner Pogacar added: “I'm more happy for him than when I win. Beyond Happiness.”

The race continues on Tuesday with a trip of 171.5 km from Montpellier and ends with a mammoth level on Mont Ventoux.

Pogacar said: “This week was one of the toughest second weeks of the tour that I drove because of the site [on Friday] and yesterday with a height of 5,000 m [gain].

“The gap is now big, but we still have big mountains. We have to fight to the end.”