In what is quickly becoming trademark Ben Healy fashion, the Irish rider of EF Education-EasyPost took a long-range, solo win on stage 3 of the Tour de Luxembourg, moving into the overall race lead in the process.
“We had two leaders today. We had Richard Carapaz and myself. Trying from far away is my strength, so that was the plan for me,” said Healy in his post-stage interview. "That was perfect, because we still had Richard on hand. However, today I had the legs to keep it going.”
One of the breakout stars of 2023, Healy has quickly become a much loved figure in the cycling world for his attacking and entertaining style. Taking a stage win at the Giro d'Italia earlier this year, the Irish national championships and a podium at the Amstel Gold Race, it's a style that has proven successful as well.
In the wind and rain of stage 3 in Luxembourg, Healy thrived once again. “I don't think anyone really likes this, but I like it. It certainly doesn't make me ride any slower," he laughs. "I'm now focusing on Saturday's time trial, I want to keep the leader's jersey. I am confident in my time trial and I have a nice buffer.”
Ben Healy takes his first win as National Champion in stage 3 of the Tour de Luxembourg ☘️👏#SkodaTour pic.twitter.com/rLAVtbIpo9
— Cycling Ireland (@CyclingIreland) September 22, 2023