Ireland has a new cycling legend! 🌟 Ben Healy electrified the Tour de France on Monday, becoming the fourth Irish rider ever to seize the race’s iconic yellow jersey after a nail-biting Stage 10 showdown in France’s rugged Massif Central.
The 23-year-old dominated much of the grueling 165.3km mountain stage, battling through seven category-two climbs like a true gladiator 🏔️. Though Giro d’Italia champ Simon Yates snatched the stage win, Healy’s heroic third-place finish earned him a 29-second lead over three-time Tour winner Tadej Pogačar – and a golden ticket to cycling immortality.
💬 "It’s a fairy tale," gasped Healy, still buzzing from his first Tour stage win just days earlier. "If you’d told me this before the Tour, I’d have laughed!"
Healy now joins Ireland’s cycling royalty: Shay Elliot (1963), Sean Kelly (1983), and 1987 Tour champ Stephen Roche. Born in England but repping Ireland through his Cork and Waterford roots, Healy shouted out his heritage: "I’m super proud to wear this jersey for Ireland." 🇮🇪
The drama unfolded as Healy broke away early, leaving Pogačar scrambling. Despite a fierce comeback attempt by the Slovenian star (backed by UAE Team Emirates), Healy held firm – finishing just 9 seconds behind Yates on the punishing Puy de Sancy climb.
Next stop? Defending yellow in the Alps! 🏔️ Will Healy channel his inner Roche? The Peloton’s watching… 👀
