"There is going to be a pretty crazy fight for yellow jersey” - Ben Healy full of excitement and optimism ahead of his first ever stage of the Tour de France

Stage 1 of the 2024 Tour de France is finally here and one of those with intentions of mixing it up for the opening stage win and the first Maillot Jaune alongside, will be EF Education - EasyPost's Tour de France debutant, Ben Healy.

“For me, there has been a big focus on the heat work, because it is something that I particularly suffer with,” the 23-year-old Irishman says in conversation with Velo, ahead of his first ever Tour de France campaign. “And yes, it’s gone really well. I’ve seen some pretty good improvements, so hopefully the hot baths and the hot turbos and all of that have paid off.”

Whilst Healy will, as mentioned be one of the riders hoping to fight for the first Maillot Jaune of the 2024 Tour de France, he's far from the only big name to have such ambitions. “I’d love to try and win a stage. As a team, we’re coming here to try and do that,” Healy says. “So I have the freedom to pick a few stages that that suit me, and hopefully get all in on those days. I think these opening couple days are really good for me, actually. But for sure, there is going to be a pretty crazy fight for yellow jersey.”

Speaking of the Tour de France as a whole, Healy is hopeful of replicating his breakthrough Grand Tour debut at the 2023 Giro d'Italia. “The first challenge is getting in the breakaway. There’s going to be a few days where you just see how it goes at the start. And if you can make it there, then hopefully I can get in one that suits me,” he explains, determined to continue his now trademark aggressive riding. “If I can pick up a stage, then that’ll be amazing. That’s the goal.”

“Everyone knows what the Tour is. I think that in itself just makes it that bit bigger," the Irishman concludes. “I’m feeling pretty positive. All the work has been done. I’ve just been anticipating the Tour and, yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”

If for whatever reason, you are unable to follow the 2024 Tour de France, you can check up on the drama via our LIVE BLOG!