On the occasion of the 15th stage, which saw this Sunday a 5th Belgian victory on this Tour de France, Cyclism’Actu met Éric Clovio et Stéphane Thirionjournalists at The evening and within the group Sudinfotwo essential figures of cycling journalism in Belgium. Together, they return of course to the symbolic feat of Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates XRG), winner with the Belgian champion jersey on the eve of national holiday this Monday, July 21, but also on its central role alongside Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates XRG), the disappointment linked to the abandonment of Remco Evenepoel (Sudal Quick-Step) … and deliver some advice to France to finally win a stage victory.
“UAE seems literally to walk on the water”
Why this video tablet with you today?
Éric Clovio: Because we are already at five Belgian victories on this Tour de France, and that a certain Tim Wellens has just remaked us the blow of the Belgian championships. He left 43 kilometers from the finish in Carcassonne, a scenario that looks very much like his feat in the Belgian championship at the end of June in Binche. He had already taken from a group to seek, alone, his first national road on the road. A year earlier, he had been crowned Belgian champion of the time trial, already in Binche. It is an exercise that he likes, that he masters better and better. And at 34, Tim continues to progress.
Like a happy coincidence, it is the Belgian national holiday today, on July 21, and a Belgian won with his jersey of Belgian champion on the Tour de France. Fifth Belgian victory: isn't that nothing?
Stéphane Thirion: I don't think it's a coincidence. It is especially experience, in the head of Tim Wellens. At 34, he had already won stages on the Giro and the Vuelta. He lacked a victory on the Tour de France. And it is not given to everyone: they are rare, the runners who have won stages over the three large towers. But what makes this victory even more beautiful is that he signs her as a member of the yellow jersey team, Tadej Pogacar, the big favorite of the Tour. It means that he is made an absolute confidence. It is a reward for all the shadow work that he has done from the start, serving his leader. But you have to be able to do it: integrate into a breakaway, manage it well and leave 40 km from the arrival to go to the end. It is not given to everyone.
Tadej Pogacar also declared on arrival: “He fights so much for me, to save my yellow jersey, that he deserves it, that one.”
Éric Clovio: Yes, it was a very sincere message. Pogacar was really delighted that one of his most faithful lieutenants took light. We know that they have a strong relationship: they both live in Monaco, they train together. He knows how important Tim is, especially in classics. He was precious in the first part of the season, and today he was able to take advantage of an opening. He grabbed it in full hand. And then, it is also the fifth victory for the UAE team, which literally seems to walk on the water.
“A advice for a Frenchman to win a step …”
As you know, we are a little Franco-Belgian or Belgian-French … Does this victory by Wellens allow us to make you forget the disappointment of the withdrawal of Remco Evenepoel?
Stéphane Thirion: No, we can't say that. The abandonment of Remco Evenepoel remains a real disappointment. We started this tour with great hopes: stages victories – which are there – but also a place on the podium in Paris. And there, he leaves the race prematurely, without the substance of the problem being really clear. It is a frustration that will have to be analyzed and decrypt. But his season does not stop there. There are still major objectives for him: the world, European championships, the circuit races where he usually shines. If he returns in shape, we do not worry about him. But yes, despite the five Belgian victories, his abandonment remains a regret.
A question for you two, dear Belgian friends: a little advice for a Frenchman to finally win a stage of the Tour? You are already five …
Éric Clovio: Simply slip into a good breakaway. And maybe listen to the radio a little more … (smile) without wanting to overwhelm Julian Alaphilippe.
Stéphane Thirion: Yes, unhappy for Julian, but I find that it is still a good signal to see it at the forefront. We sometimes felt it back or in difficulty. There he was present, active. In intermediate steps like this, he still has the means to play his card.
Éric Clovio: And then, on the French side, you have some good assets: I think of Kévin Vauquelin, for example. He could target the top 10, even better. You never know.
Thanks to both of you. And Cyclism'Actu wants a happy national holiday in all of Belgium!
Stéphane Thirion: Thank you so much !
Éric Clovio: And the solution for a Frenchman to win a step? It's simple: integrate a breakaway… without Belgians! (laughs)
