A remarkable moment on Tuesday in Lisieux. Ben Healy was participating in the local post-Tour criterium in the French town, but celebrated one lap too early. The Irishman from EF Education-EasyPost caused confusion, but won shortly afterward. It resulted in remarkable images. The 24-year-old Irishman had an incredible Tour de France. On day six, he won
thanks to a typical Healy attack, and four days later, he even took the yellow jersey. The EF Education-EasyPost rider finished third on day ten at the top of the Puy de Sancy, which was enough for the leader's jersey. He wore it on days eleven and twelve, before losing it on Hautacam.
This did not deter the Irishman's attacking spirit. With a seventh place on day fourteen, Healy re-entered the top 10 of the GC, after which he immediately went on the attack again at the start of the third week. In stage sixteen to Mont Ventoux, he was unfortunately narrowly beaten, but second place in the stage meant he was ninth in the overall standings. After finishing eighth in the stage to La Plagne, Healy held on to
that ninth place, which was also where the Irishman finished in Paris.
A top-10 finish wasn't the only thing to celebrate, as Healy was voted the most combative rider of the Tour. A nice reward for an incredibly attractive Tour de France.
Read more below the photo!
Healy makes up for crucial mistake in Lisieux
After the Tour, criteriums are traditionally held, known as the post-Tour criteriums. This was also the case for Healy, who lined up at the start of the Critérium de Lisieux on Tuesday. The Irishman looked set to win, but the celebrations were too early. Healy
raised his arms in the air, but soon saw riders pass him at full speed.
The EF Education-EasyPost rider had even turned around, but quickly realized he had made a mistake. He shifted gears quickly and started chasing, which ultimately paid off. Healy still won the criterium, but it did produce some remarkable images.
VIDEO: Healy cheers too early in post-Tour criterium