LEADER OF THE PELOTON

Irish star Healy powers to the yellow jersey

- DEREK FOLEY

IRELAND'S Ben Healy has taken the yellow jersey in the Tour de France after a powerhouse Bastille Day Stage Ten ride.

Healy said: “I'm just super proud to represent Ireland and wear the yellow jersey for them and hopefully I think I can do it some justice.”

Having been prominent in an early break, Healy spent most of the day in virtual yellow.

With a minute to defend on a steep climb some 2.5km out from the finish and in danger of being swamped, the Irish Olympian stayed in the fight and finished third overall.

The UK’s Simon Yates took the stage win with Dutchman Thymen Arensman second some nine seconds back and Healy 31 seconds behind.

It left Healy in yellow on 37hrs 41mins 49secs and three times winner Tadej Pogacar 29 seconds back with Remco Evenepoel at one minute 29 seconds.

“What a performance by Ben Healy first of all,” said Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly as Healy crossed the line. “And we had seen Pogacar going with a really big attack there in the earlier part of the climb but then knocked it off.