Belgians dominate the first week of the Tour de France
Several Belgian cyclists have made themselves unavoidable in the first week of the Tour de France, the most prestigious bicycle race in the world.
Jasper Philipsen from Alpecin-Deceuninck proved to be at the top of his form, winning not one but two stages in a row. The 25-year-old, whose nickname is De Vlam van Ham (the Flame from Ham), attacked in both Bayonne and Nogaro, giving sprinting greats like the soon-to-retire Mark Cavendish and super domestique Wout van Aert a run for their money.
It didn’t stop there, because the already legendary cyclist ended up winning stages 7 and 11, earning him a spot among the most successful Belgian riders to ever undertake the Tour.
Van Aert confirmed his status as a tremendous domestique – a strong rider in service of their team leader – on the mythical Col du Tourmalet, pulling a breakaway all the way up the mountain pass, allowing his Danish Jumbo Visma teammate Jonas Vingegaard to take the coveted yellow jersey.
That means the battle is on between Vingegaard and his most feared and respected Slovenian rival Tadej Pogacar (who incidentally won the stage where the Dane took yellow).
It’s a long way to the finish line in Paris, so there are plenty more opportunities for Philipsen, Van Aert, and numerous other Belgians to stand out in the greatest cycling race there is (besides the Belgian classics, of course!).
Which Belgian cyclist are you rooting for? Let us know!