Belgian cyclist Victor Campenaerts (Lotto–Dstny) delivered a masterclass in timing and grit during Stage 18 of the Tour de France, clinching his first-ever stage win in a heart-pounding three-way sprint. The 179.5km hilly route from Gap to Barcelonnette saw Campenaerts outpace rivals Michal Kwiatkowski and Matteo Vercher with a jaw-dropping final 200m burst. 🌄🏆
Fighting back tears post-race, Campenaerts immediately video-called his girlfriend and newborn child, dedicating the victory to their unwavering support. 'She's the hero in this story,' he said, recounting grueling training sessions during his partner's pregnancy. 'I saw only blue skies after becoming a father.' 💙👶
The breakaway trio held off chasing riders for 35km, with Campenaerts strategically conserving energy until his explosive sprint. Vercher (TotalEnergies) and Kwiatkowski (Ineos Grenadiers) secured second and third, while the main peloton—including yellow jersey holder Tadej Pogačar—finished 14 minutes back. Pogačar retains his 3'11'' lead over Jonas Vingegaard ahead of Friday's Alpine showdown to Isola 2000. ⛰️💛
Campenaerts, whose future team plans remain uncertain, called this win 'the highlight of my career.' Expect celebratory Belgian waffles tonight! 🧇🎉
