**Ben Healy Dethrones Tadej Pogacar to Take Yellow Jersey as Simon Yates Wins Stage 10 at the Tour de France**
*July 9, 2025 — A pivotal day at the Tour de France unfolded on Stage 10, showcasing a tapestry of strategic brilliance, resilience, and unpredictability that epitomizes the essence of this legendary race. The stage, marked by grueling climbs, tactical maneuvers, and dramatic shifts in the general classification, culminated in a historic moment as Irish cyclist Ben Healy claimed the yellow jersey, overtaking pre-race favorite Tadej Pogacar. Additionally, British rider Simon Yates secured an impressive stage victory, cementing his reputation as a formidable contender.*
Stage 10 Overview: A Tactical Masterpiece on the Mountains
Stage 10 took riders on a challenging route through the mountainous terrains of the Pyrenees, covering approximately 160 kilometers from Bordeaux to Lourdes. Known for its punishing climbs and technical descents, the stage was designed to test the riders’ climbing prowess and strategic acumen.
The day began with an early breakaway, featuring a select group of riders eager to seize the day’s opportunity. Despite various attempts to establish a breakaway, the peloton, led by the General Classification (GC) favorites, kept a close eye, ensuring that any significant gaps were swiftly closed.
As the race progressed into the final third, the terrain intensified. The iconic Col du Tourmalet loomed, a legendary ascent that has historically shaped the GC. It was here that the race ignited, with riders launching attacks in a bid to gain crucial seconds or more.
The Turning Points: A Battle Among the Best
**The Ascent of the Col du Tourmalet**
The ascent of the Tourmalet proved decisive. Tadej Pogacar, the defending champion and pre-race favorite, demonstrated his climbing strength by setting a relentless pace at the front. However, Ben Healy, riding for EF Education-EasyPost, was not far behind. The young Irishman, known for his climbing ability, kept close to Pogacar’s wheel, signaling his intent early.
Meanwhile, riders like Jonas Vingegaard and Geraint Thomas made their moves, trying to crack the field. The tension escalated as the gradient increased, with each rider seeking to gain an advantage.
**The Breakaway and the Final Assault**
In the final kilometers of the ascent, Healy launched an audacious attack, breaking away from Pogacar and the other GC contenders. His move was met with a surge from Pogacar, but the Irishman’s stamina held firm. The decisive moment arrived on the steepest section of the climb as Healy surged ahead, distancing himself from the peloton.
Simultaneously, Simon Yates, a renowned climber and GC contender, had been lurking within the top group. Recognizing the opportunity, Yates launched his own attack in the final kilometer, powering past rivals and sprinting toward the stage victory.
The Dramatic Finish: Yates Claims Stage 10 Victory
In a breathtaking conclusion, Simon Yates crossed the finish line first, outpacing his closest competitors in a solo effort that showcased his resilience and tactical intelligence. The British rider’s stage win was a testament to his relentless pursuit of glory and his ability to execute a perfect attack in the critical moments.
Yates’s victory was celebrated by fans and teammates alike, marking a significant milestone in his Tour de France campaign. His performance not only earned him the stage win but also elevated his standing in the overall classification.
The New General Classification: Healy Takes the Lead
Perhaps the most surprising development of the day was Ben Healy’s ascension to the yellow jersey. Thanks to his formidable climbing effort and the time gained on Pogacar, Healy now sits atop the GC standings, donning the iconic jersey for the first time in his career.
**Key GC Standings Post-Stage 10:**
| Rider | Time Difference | Notes |
|——————-|——————-|—————————|
| Ben Healy | +0:00 | New leader, yellow jersey|
| Tadej Pogacar | +12 seconds | Slight setback, 2nd place|
| Jonas Vingegaard | +20 seconds | Maintains third place |
| Geraint Thomas | +35 seconds | Close behind |
| Simon Yates | +1:15 | 5th overall, stage winner|
Healy’s bold attack and consistent climbing ensured he gained valuable seconds, allowing him to overtake Pogacar, who had been the pre-race favorite. His remarkable effort was hailed as a breakout performance, signaling his potential as a GC contender.
Tadej Pogacar’s Setback and Race Implications
Tadej Pogacar’s day did not go as planned. Despite his aggressive riding, he was unable to respond to Healy’s attack on the Tourmalet, losing crucial seconds. The setback raises questions about the Slovenian star’s form and strategy in the mountain stages.
Pogacar acknowledged the challenge in a post-stage interview: “Ben was very strong today. I tried to follow but couldn’t match his power. The race is still long, and I will fight back in the coming days.”
This turn of events injects unpredictability into the race, with Pogacar now trailing the leader and eager to mount a comeback. The remaining mountain stages will be critical in shaping the overall outcome.
Stage 10 in Context: A Race of Surprises and Strategic Battles
The 2024 Tour de France has been characterized by relentless competition, strategic depth, and emerging talents challenging established stars. Ben Healy’s rise to the yellow jersey is a testament to the dynamic nature of the race, where young riders can seize their moment amid seasoned contenders.
Simon Yates’s victory reinforces his reputation as a formidable climber and tactician. His solo effort demonstrated his ability to read the race and execute a decisive attack—a trait that could serve him well in the upcoming mountain stages and the overall fight for the yellow jersey.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
With the mountains still to come, the Tour de France’s narrative remains open. The coming stages will see riders battling not only the challenging terrain but also fatigue, strategy, and psychological resilience.
For Ben Healy, donning the yellow jersey is both an honor and a responsibility. His team will aim to defend his lead, while rivals like Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Yates will seek to reclaim lost ground.
The race’s unpredictability continues to enthrall fans worldwide, promising more drama, heroics, and surprises as the Tour de France marches toward its climax.
Stage 10 of the 2025Tour de France will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in this year’s edition—marked by Ben Healy’s astonishing ascent to the yellow jersey, Tadej Pogacar’s setback, and Simon Yates’s memorable stage victory. These developments exemplify the race’s intense competitiveness and the relentless pursuit of glory that defines the Tour de France. As the peloton heads into the mountainous battles ahead, fans can anticipate even more breathtaking moments in this storied race.
