Tim Wellens’ Tour de France had been excellent but understated. The Belgian national champion is arguably Pogacar’s most important domestique — both a rouleur who looks after the yellow jersey on the flat, and a strong enough climber to set a punishing initial pace at the base of climbs.

Tim Wellens of Team UAE Emirates won a baking and hilly stage 15 of the Tour de France at Carcassonne on Sunday after a 45km solo rampage towards the walled citadel. Wellens' teammate Tadej Pogacar held on to the overall lead with a 4min 13sec advantage on Jonas Vingegaard, who had to fight to catch up when caught behind an early mass fall.

Tim Wellens of Belgium broke away from the pack at the top of the final climb to win Stage 15 at the Tour de France on Sunday.