Ben Healy Makes History as First Irish Tour de France Leader Since 1987

Irish cyclist Ben Healy delivered a stunning performance on Monday to claim the coveted yellow jersey in the Tour de France, becoming the first Irishman in 38 years to lead the general classification. His relentless attack over eight punishing climbs in the Massif Central marked a career-defining moment for the 24-year-old EF Education-EasyPost rider.

Healy, who had already impressed with a stage six win in Normandy, powered through the volcanic terrain to finish third on the day behind Simon Yates, but it was enough to take the overall lead from race favourite Tadej Pogacar.

The last Irishman to wear the yellow jersey was Stephen Roche in 1987, who went on to win the Tour. Healy now joins a prestigious group of Irish cycling legends including Shay Elliott (1963), Sean Kelly (1983), and Roche himself.

“This yellow is more for the team who worked so hard to put me here,” Healy said after the stage. “But the stage win possibly means more, as it came first. Both mean a lot to me.”

Though Yates crossed the line first after launching a decisive attack on the final climb, much of the spotlight remained on Healy, who animated the race from early on. His tenacity earned him the day’s combativity award, a tribute to his aggressive and inspiring ride.

“Hats off to him, he’s the one that dropped everyone,” said Yates, the 2025 Giro d’Italia winner, acknowledging Healy’s effort during a stage where the lead group shrank from 30 riders to just five.

Born in Birmingham but racing for Ireland, Healy also wears the white jersey as the best young rider. He now leads the Tour de France by 29 seconds over Pogacar, with Belgian Remco Evenepoel trailing by 1 minute 29 seconds. Two-time defending champion Jonas Vingegaard is fourth overall at 1 minute 46 seconds.

While Pogacar and Vingegaard crossed the line together, their effort wasn’t enough to prevent Healy from taking control of the general classification.

France had its own reason to celebrate on Bastille Day, as Lenny Martinez captured the polka dot jersey for King of the Mountains with 27 points. His achievement echoes the legacy of his grandfather, Mariano Martinez, who won the same title in 1978.

After Monday’s intense stage, riders will enjoy a rest day on Tuesday. Racing resumes Wednesday with Stage 11, a flatter route expected to end in a sprinter’s showdown in Toulouse.