Every Irish Tour de France stage win after Ben Healy's epic success
Ben Healy wrote his name into the history books with a sensational solo victory at the 2025 Tour de France, becoming the latest Irish cyclist to claim a stage win in cycling’s most prestigious race. His triumph adds to a rich legacy of Irish success in the Tour, joining the ranks of legends like Seán Kelly, Stephen Roche, Dan Martin, and Sam Bennett. Healy’s bold long-range attack on a mountainous stage left his rivals behind and delivered Ireland its 12th Tour de France stage victory. It marked the first Irish win since Sam Bennett’s triumph in 2020, and signalled the emergence of a new force in Irish cycling on the world stage. READ MORE: Ben Healy clinches famous stage win at the Tour de France READ MORE: Meath pair ‘speechless’ after emotional win at Royal Portrush just days before the Open Ireland’s Tour de France story began with Seán Kelly, who burst onto the scene in 1978 with a win on Stage 5a. Over the following years, Kelly would go on to dominate sprint finishes, racking up a total of five stage victories. His wins came in 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983, making him the most decorated Irish rider in terms of stage success. Stephen Roche carried Irish hopes into the mid-1980s and delivered on the biggest scale imaginable. In 1985, he claimed a stage victory in Saint-Étienne before producing a legendary performance in 1987. That year, he won the Stage 22 time trial in Dijon to secure overall victory in the Tour, becoming the only Irishman ever to wear the yellow jersey in Paris. His 1987 triumph also completed the rare Triple Crown of cycling: winning the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and the World Championship in the same year. Dan Martin revived Irish fortunes in the 2010s, delivering two memorable stage wins. In 2013, he edged out Jakob Fuglsang in a dramatic two-man finish in Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Five years later, he struck again with a blistering attack on the short, steep climb to Mûr-de-Bretagne, proving once again his ability to shine on punchy mountain finishes. Sam Bennett brought sprinting glory back to Ireland in 2020 with two iconic wins. He triumphed on Stage 10 and then delivered a career-defining performance on the Champs-Élysées, winning Stage 21 in a sprint finish. His efforts earned him the coveted green jersey, making him just the second Irish rider to win a classification jersey after Kelly’s multiple points wins in the 1980s. Now, with Ben Healy’s 2025 breakthrough, a new chapter has begun. His fearless racing style and attacking flair have captured the imagination of fans and renewed Irish hopes of future Tour success. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
