“He was stuffing up the breakaway and ruined it for everyone" - Michael Storer slams Victor Campenaerts

Michael Storer was part of a strong breakaway on stage 15 of the 2025 Tour de France. The Australian was unable to get a first stage win added to his palamres though, and according to him, a big reason for that was the negative riding of Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Victor Campenaerts.

“I tried to make the difference on the steep climb, but it wasn't quite enough,” the Australian climber reflected of his efforts in a post-stgae interview with his home nation's broadcaster, SBS Sport.

Whilst Storer's move did initially draw a small group clear - one that included both the eventual stage winner Tim Wellens and the aforementioned Campenaerts - the Tudor Pro Cycling Team star was left disappointed by the tactics of his rivals, especially singling out Campenaerts for criticism.

“He was stuffing up the breakaway and actually ruined it for everyone except Wellens. He seized the opportunity," explains Storer ruefully. "Campenaerts said that Wout van Aert was behind him, but he was really far back. I don't understand that. By not working together, he gave Wellens the victory. I don't think that was very smart tactically.”

Storer eventually crossed the line in 22nd, over a minute and a half down on Wellens, whilst Campenaerts had to settle for second place at the finish.