In a thrilling showdown on Stage 10 of the Tour de France, Ireland's Ben Healy stormed into the coveted yellow jersey after conquering the Massif Central's first pure mountain test. The 165.3 km route through south-central highlands saw Healy battle across seven Category 2 climbs before sealing a 29-second lead over defending champion Tadej Pogačar in the general classification.
Riding with grit and flair, Healy was part of a large breakaway that formed early, turning a 3:55 deficit into a game-changing advantage. Although Giro d'Italia winner Simon Yates claimed the stage atop Puy de Sancy, France's highest peak, Healy crossed just nine seconds back, earning him both a podium finish and the race lead.
"It's a fairy tale," said Healy, who picked up his first Tour stage win last Thursday. "If you'd told me I'd be wearing yellow, I wouldn't have believed it. I'm beyond proud to represent Ireland and follow in the wheel tracks of legends like Shay Elliot, Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche."
Healy becomes the fourth rider from Ireland to don the yellow jersey, joining the ranks of Elliot (1963), Kelly (1983) and Roche (1987). Born in England and eligible for Ireland through his Cork and Waterford roots, the 25-year-old climber is now the face of a cycling renaissance on the global stage.
As the Tour heads into tougher Alpine terrain, all eyes will be on Healy's team tactics and how the young Irishman manages his slim margin over rivals. For fans around the world, his breakthrough is a reminder that underdogs can rewrite the record books—and that every second counts.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
