"Ben Healy: The Breakaway Specialist's Quest to Beat Pogačar & Evenepoel"

Dec 4, 2024 at 12:49 PM
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Ben Healy, an EF Education-EasyPost rider, is renowned for his fearless approach in bike racing. Whether it's questioning racing tactics or aiming for prestigious victories, he's always willing to take risks in pursuit of breakaway glory.

Unstoppable in the Breakaway - Ben Healy's Racing Journey

Spending Time on the Attack

During the past season, Ben Healy spent 1281 kilometers out of his 10093 in-race kilometers on the attack, in front of the peloton. He bravely participated in the biggest races like the Tour de France, the Olympic road race, and the World Championships.

His daring attacks showed his courage and determination on the racecourse. Healy's willingness to take risks set him apart and made him a force to be reckoned with.

Healy's attacks weren't just random; they were strategic moves aimed at achieving his goals. His ability to read the race and make the right decisions at the right time was a key factor in his success.

Breaking Through at the Giro d'Italia

In 2023, Ben Healy broke through at the Giro d'Italia. He attacked 50km from the Fossombrone finish and rode solo to victory. This was a significant moment in his career and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.

His win at the Giro d'Italia was a testament to his hard work and dedication. It also showed that he had the mental toughness to handle the challenges of a grand tour.

After this victory, Healy continued to make strategic attacks in other races. However, his success also made him a target for rival teams, as they recognized his potential as a winner.

Competing in the Tour de France

Getting into a Tour de France breakaway in the era of an all-dominant UAE Team Emirates is no easy feat. Ben Healy was in five breakaways at the Tour de France, with his best result being a fifth place on the gravel stage around Troyes.

The break fights during the Tour de France were intense and competitive. Every rider was fighting for a chance to win, and Healy was right in the middle of the action.

On the gravel stage and stage 14 to Pla d'Adet, Healy survived the brutal opening salvoes and found himself in the day's break. But the next step was one he couldn't complete, perhaps due to his legs or his tactics.

Exploring GC Potential

Adam Yates and Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar reeled in Healy up the Pla d'Adet on stage 14 of the Tour. While disappointed, Healy proved he could compete for a Tour stage win and losing to one of the best riders of all time put him in a special club.

This first taste of the Tour inspired Healy to explore the possibility of a GC bid. He has the abilities on the flat and uphill, and his time trial capabilities are impressive.

Healy realizes that he could have been in a better GC position if he had raced the first couple of weeks differently. This is something he wants to discuss during the off-season and apply to next year.

Chasing a Medal at the Olympics

Two weeks after the Tour de France, Ben Healy made his Olympic debut in Paris. He was one of the early animators of the thrilling 272km race into France's capital city.

Equipped with his aero helmet and skinsuit, Healy and Ryan Mullen found themselves in the day's break with just under 100 kilometers left to race.

Healy's performance in the Paris road race was remarkable. He left Alexey Lutsenko behind and experienced the excitement of the crowds. But he was disappointed with his 10th-place finish.

Healy believes he could have medalled if he had a radio during the race. Without the radios, he had no idea what was happening behind him and couldn't make the right decisions.

Dealing with the Dominance of Pogačar and Evenepoel

Being chased down by Pogačar and Evenepoel is a discouraging reality for Ben Healy. But he knows he has to overcome this if he wants to reach his winning potential.

Healy understands that these are generational talents and that he has to raise his game to compete with them.

Despite the setbacks, Healy remains determined to keep trying. He has finished in the top ten of the Olympics, the Worlds, stages of the Tour de France, and a Monument. His achievements are a testament to his talent and perseverance.