Evenepoel remporte l'étape 15 du Tour de France alors que Vingegaard abandonne la course après un accident

Tim Merlier, the triple stage winner, withdrew from the Tour de France during stage 15 on July 20, citing exhaustion after a grueling week of competition. His team, Soudal Quick-Step, confirmed his exit via an X post, noting that the Belgian cyclist had given “unforgettable memories” with three stage victories and demonstrated “true fighting spirit” throughout the race. Sports director Davide Bramati explained that Merlier, 33, struggled with fatigue and could not push forward, stating, “He was empty and couldn’t finish.” Although the team acknowledged the disappointment of his withdrawal, they emphasized that Merlier had “given everything.” The day’s events unfolded amid dramatic developments. Earlier, two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, who held second place in the overall standings, was forced to abandon the race after sustaining a collarbone fracture in a crash near the finish line. The incident occurred approximately 20 kilometers from the end, when Vingegaard’s front wheel clipped a curb, leaving him with his right arm in a sling. His Visma-Lease a Bike teammate Sepp Kuss was also involved in the collision, as were several other riders including Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates Isaac del Toro and Brandon McNulty. While Vingegaard was taken to an ambulance, the other three riders managed to continue, though Del Toro appeared visibly strained in the final stretch. Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel seized the opportunity to claim victory in stage 15, overtaking race leader Tadej Pogacar at the finish line. This marked Evenepoel’s first stage win of the 2026 Tour de France, elevating him to second place in the overall standings, just five minutes behind Pogacar. The stage was won in a thrilling finale, with Evenepoel pushing past Pogacar to secure the top spot. Del Toro followed shortly after, finishing third. Pogacar, the reigning four-time Tour de France champion, continued to dominate the race, securing a solo victory on stage 14. The Slovenian cyclist attacked on the steep ascent of the Col du Haag, breaking away from the peloton and maintaining his lead. His win extended his advantage over Vingegaard, who had been second in the general classification. Pogacar’s performance on stage 14 saw him extend his overall lead to four minutes and 30 seconds, solidifying his position as the favorite for a third consecutive title. The race has seen a series of high-stakes moments, with both Vingegaard and Pogacar vying for dominance. Vingegaard’s withdrawal due to injury adds uncertainty to the battle for the yellow jersey, particularly as he had been leading the race until the crash. Meanwhile, Evenepoel’s emergence as a contender highlights the competitive nature of the field, with multiple riders challenging the established hierarchy. In the aftermath of these developments, the focus shifts to the remaining stages, with Pogacar maintaining his commanding position. However, the absence of key contenders such as Vingegaard and the potential for further disruptions in the peloton means the race remains unpredictable. As the Tour de France continues, fans will be watching closely for signs of new leaders emerging or existing ones faltering under pressure. The upcoming days will determine whether Pogacar can maintain his lead or if others will close the gap. For now, the race remains in flux, with each stage offering new opportunities and challenges.