Tour de France 2025 through the lens of James Startt - Stage 15
On each stage at the Tour de France, James Startt selects his image of the day, offering a unique perspective on the rolling citadel and the characters who inhabit it.
Tim Wellens’ main role at this Tour de France is to serve as a deluxe domestique for Tadej Pogacar, and he has performed that task to perfection for most of the race.
But the Belgian champion has enjoyed some days in the sun of his own too. In the opening week, for instance, he had a stint in the polka dot jersey, taking the garment off his leader’s shoulders.
That switch had been choreographed, but Wellens’ success on stage 15 to Carcassonne came about as a result of improvisation. After a hectic start to proceedings, Wellens found himself policing the break of the day. Once the race approached the finale, he started to figure out how to win for himself.
Like at the national championships last month, Wellens chose his moment sagely, jumping clear of the break at the top of the final climb and then soloing 42km into Carcassonne. The victory saw Wellens complete a full set of Grand Tour stage wins, after previous triumphs on the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.
On the approach to Carcassonne, Wellens thought about climbing off his bike and lifting it above his head as he walked across the finish line. Instead, that choreographed celebration was forgotten as he got caught up in the emotion of the occasion and he rolled over the line, arms aloft. Job done.
James Startt is covering his 36th Tour de France. He is a two-time winner of the World Sports Photography awards and he currently serves as the creative director to inGamba luxury cycling tours.
