"He loves helping his teammates win, and that makes him a wonderful person": Jasper Philipsen seals dream Champs-Élysées 1-2 behind winner Mathieu van der Poel
CyclingMonday, 27 July 2026 at 09:00
Jasper Philipsen narrowly missed out on victory on the Champs-Élysées, but there was no disappointment on the Belgian's face after the finish. Instead, he celebrated one of the most memorable moments of Alpecin-Deceuninck's Tour de France as Mathieu van der Poel held off the peloton to claim a stunning solo victory, with Philipsen completing a perfect one-two for the team.
Philipsen refused to deny Van der Poel
Philipsen admitted the chaotic finale unfolded almost too quickly to process, but the result exceeded anything the team could have hoped for. “The final metres went by so fast, but everything fell our way. It was truly unbelievable,” he said in a post-race interview.
Alpecin-Deceuninck finished first and second in spectacular fashion, capping off another hugely successful Tour de France, as they secured three stage victories. “This is something we did for the team, and it will remain a highlight for a very long time.”
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The Belgian explained that few riders have sacrificed more for their teammates than Van der Poel throughout the years. “Mathieu has done so much for me in the past. Besides being a great champion, he's an incredible teammate. He's a true friend and completely selfless.”
Philipsen emphasized that Van der Poel's commitment extends far beyond helping him alone. “Not only for me, but for the whole team, he's incredibly strong.”
Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen at the Tour de France 2026
A selfless champion
According to Philipsen, Van der Poel takes as much satisfaction from helping others win as he does from his own victories. “He loves helping his teammates win, and that makes him a wonderful person.”
Van der Poel has repeatedly played a decisive role in Philipsen's biggest victories, including his triumph at Milan-San Remo in 2024. More recently, he delivered another textbook lead-out during stage 17 of this year's Tour de France, helping Philipsen finally secure his first stage victory of the race.
This time, however, the roles were reversed. Van der Poel crossed the line first, with Philipsen proudly following him home to complete an unforgettable one-two for Alpecin-Deceuninck.
Félix SernaCycling Journalist
Félix Serna is a writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2025. He covers professional cycling across both the men’s and women’s calendars, with a focus on UCI rankings, race developments, and rider performance. His work includes interview-based reports, liveblogs, and tournament coverage designed to provide clear, accurate context throughout the season.
In his reporting, Félix regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical reference. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
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- Last year, the Montmarte finale was highly controversial, recieving pressure from GC riders, who said "don't let this jeopardise our Tours" (chiefly Jonas Vingegaard of course) and sprinters, who said "don't let this take away our big opportunity". While the latter part did not cause the GC neutralisation, it added to the pressure. After the magnificent finale it gave, criticism was reduced but one season on that was still not enough for the GC to run to the end. After yesterday's race, very few riders will criticise it. Of the sprinters, only Tim Merlier would dislike it. And the GC riders have got used to it. Next year, it may not be so. And with 2:18 over Seixas, del Toro was certainly breathing s sigh of relief
Rafionain-Glas27-07-2026 - Apparently the course was constantly being strewn with broken glass, nails etc, faster than the sweepers could clear it. And then IDT did get a puncture!Hills3327-07-2026
- I am also capable of winning so long as no professional riders start, or to be honest, any other riders at all. Useless statement to make. He demonstrably hasn't proven he's capable of winning because he hasn't won. Who writes this nonsense?wrsty27-07-2026
- Tot siens tot volgende jaar ou boet. Remember to breathe and keep the rubber side down.
Andrew27-07-2026 - Quote :mus-musculuspeedypogigonzales 26 July 2026 at 21:30 + 238 Let me repeat Bruyneels words: "Thijs Zonneveld, you are an idiot." That's all I've got to say !!!”Andrew27-07-2026
- Some are only happy if it’s Pog helping out a team mate other than that it is verboten. I doubt Philipsen would have caught VDP but hard to say with certainty.Andrew27-07-2026
- How stupid to stop the time at 41km. Idt must be heaving a sigh of relief in his white jersey. They should have let the clock run right till the end.Andrew27-07-2026
- So you are quite good at dishing it our but not so good at taking it. Vasbyt Skatlam, verstaan jy vir my jou verlepte ou doos. 😘😘Andrew27-07-2026
- "Teaming up" is in neither of these riders vocabulary lol.MaMu27-07-2026
- Now you're sending me kisses????? Yesterday you called me "darling"???? WTF...you don't know me ... SO STOP IT !!! Capish?mus-musculuspeedypogigonzales27-07-2026
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