The Tour de France is known for its grueling climbs, intense sprints, and unpredictable moments. Stage 15 of the 2025 Tour delivered all of that and more, featuring a dislocated shoulder, a solo breakaway victory, and a mistaken celebration that left one rider red-faced.
Alaphilippe's Rollercoaster Day
Julian Alaphilippe of Tudor Pro Cycling experienced a true rollercoaster of emotions. Early in the stage, he crashed and dislocated his shoulder. In a display of remarkable resilience, Alaphilippe popped his shoulder back into place himself, refusing to abandon the race. "I remembered what they did at the hospital, and I managed to pop it back in," he explained.
Despite the pain, Alaphilippe continued, eventually finding himself in a chasing group. Unaware that two riders were already ahead, he sprinted to the finish line, believing he had won the stage. He raised his arms in victory, only to discover moments later that he had actually finished third.
Wellens Steals the Show
While Alaphilippe was experiencing his dramatic day, UAE Team Emirates-XRG's Tim Wellens was quietly executing a brilliant solo attack. Wellens attacked with 44km remaining and crossed the finish line well ahead of the competition, securing a well-deserved stage win. Victor Campenaerts finished second.
Communication Breakdown
The reason for Alaphilippe's mistaken celebration? A damaged radio. "Julian's radio wasn't working," his team manager explained, leaving him unaware of Wellens's victory. The incident highlights the importance of communication in professional cycling.
Vingegaard Under Pressure
Meanwhile, for Jonas Vingegaard, it was another stressful day. His Visma-Lease a bike team showed questionable strategy, while Pogacar and his team remained a model of consistency. The pressure is mounting on Vingegaard as the Tour progresses.
Stage 15 was a day of high drama, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the Tour de France. From Alaphilippe's dislocated shoulder and mistaken celebration to Wellens's impressive solo victory, it was a stage that will be remembered for years to come.