Belgian rider Tim Wellens delivered UAE Team Emirates another statement victory in the Tour de France, winning Stage 15 with a solo attack launched 44 kilometres from the finish in Carcassonne. The 34-year-old opened a decisive gap on the Pas du Sant climb and held it to the line, reinforcing the Emirati squad’s grip on the race led overall by Tadej Pogacar. Wellens crossed the line more than a minute ahead of his nearest chasers. Victor Campenaerts finished second, nine seconds ahead of Julian Alaphilippe, who had earlier crashed, sustained a dislocated shoulder and lost radio contact with his Tudor Pro Cycling Team car. The communication failure left Alaphilippe unaware that two riders remained up the road; the Frenchman sprinted to what he believed was victory and celebrated wildly before learning he had taken only third place. Despite the setback, team staff said medical checks showed he is fit to continue after Monday’s rest day.