Ben Healy on the realities of racing in the Pogčar era: 'As big a legend as Lance used to be'

T - 2 days. The route is ready, the teams have been announced (hurry up Pinarello Q 36.5!!), the GC favourites have been well studied. The 2026 Tour de France is about to begin. But what about the attackers? Rides like Ben Healy, who will hope to have some excellent opportunities this July. The question is how much space will they be given? IDL Pro Cycling recently spoke with the Irish rider from EF Education-EasyPost, who seems to be in great shape.

When we spoke with Healy at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, he and his team, EF Education-EasyPost, were in high spirits. At that point, Alex Baudin was still wearing the yellow jersey, although he ultimately lost it during the final weekend. Healy himself did not line up at the start of Stage 6. It turned out he was sick.

That was a bit of a bummer, since the rider from Kingswinford had said two days earlier that his legs felt great. “I think I’m in really good shape right now, and I’m also very happy with where I stand,” he told us. “I’m ready for the Tour,” Healy said firmly.

By his own account, that illness ultimately didn't have much of an impact on his preparation. What did that preparation entail? “I'm going to do some heat training a few weeks before the Tour. By then, I'll probably be in perfect shape to compete for a number of stages.”

Because stage victory—that’s the main goal for Healy and his team. “I think there are quite a few good stages for the breakaway riders. Of course, you still have to consider the dynamics of the race and the situation at that moment. There are definitely a few opportunities for me.” The Irishman couldn’t (or wouldn’t?) tell us which ones those were as of mid-June.

But, as Healy also knows, a lot depends on the will and desire of world champion Tadej Pogačar. After all, as we’ve come to realize, if the Slovenian sets his mind on winning a stage, it’s going to be tough for the rest of the field. In any case, Healy had some kind words to say about Pogi in an interview with WielerRevue. “When you see how he’s dominating the Tour de France and how he presents himself in the media, I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes as big a legend as Lance used to be.”

Does it take the excitement out of the race? “For the die-hard cycling fan, the races are sometimes less exciting, but I’m certain that Tadej is drawing more attention to the sport. Thanks to him, cycling is growing and gaining more prestige. Hopefully, with my aggressive riding style, I can help make the races more exciting and, as a result, more appealing.”