Wellens wins in style

TIM Wellens of UAE Team Emirates conquered the heat and hills of Stage 15 with a 45km solo charge to victory in Carcassonne on Sunday, bringing home a fifth win for the dominant team at this year’s Tour de France.

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The Belgian, who had been part of an early breakaway, launched a decisive attack that caught his fellow escapees napping.

From there, he built an unassailable lead on the approach to the walled citadel and had time to high-five dozens of Belgian fans on the run-in - the perfect prelude to Belgium's national holiday.

“It makes me happier than winning a stage myself,” said overall race leader Tadej Pogacar, who pointed to his yellow jersey and added, “He helps me keep this thing every day.”