Cyclist Ben Healy triumphs in the Tour de France criterium races, claiming victory not once but twice, due to a celebration mix-up at the finish line - as captured on video.
Post-Tour de France Criteriums: Ben Healy's Double Victory in Lisieux
In the vibrant town of Lisieux, Normandy, the criterium took centre stage on Tuesday night, with Ben Healy stealing the show. The absence of Kévin Vauquelin, a local hero who fractured his ankle at home, paved the way for Healy to become the big-name star of the event.
Despite few spectators anticipating a real race, they were more than pleased to witness the biggest riders in action. Healy, fresh from his victory at the Tour de France and adorned in the yellow jersey he wore for two stages, was a sight to behold.
The race was not without drama. Healy was initially caught by a group of riders but displayed exceptional determination, sprinting after them and ultimately clinching the victory. A video posted on social media captured the moment of Healy's error and his subsequent effort to get back to the chasers, highlighting his grit and determination.
In a repeat performance, Healy got away alone in the final laps of the criterium and celebrated another victory. The crowd erupted in cheers as he crossed the finish line, marking his second win of the night.
Post-Tour de France criteriums are unofficial races, primarily held for entertainment and celebration. Unlike the official Tour stages, the results of these criteriums are often determined by marketing and crowd appeal rather than purely competitive racing. Riders and organizers often collaborate to decide the race outcome, making these events unique in cycling history and culture.
These criteriums serve as exhibition events where Tour riders appear before fans, often in their home countries, to showcase their talents in a more relaxed environment. Riders who performed well in the Tour often attract larger crowds, increasing the event's commercial success. Organizers might influence the race outcome to ensure popular or local riders win, maintaining public interest and financial viability for these events.
Lesser-known riders can earn up to €2000, while headline riders like Healy can command as much as €20,000. The criterium organizers cover the costs of the riders and put on the show through earnings from hospitality, local food, and drink sales.
Since the Tour de France finished in Paris on Sunday, several riders, including Jonathan Milan, Tim Merlier, Thymen Arensman, Tim Wellens, and Ben O'Connor, have raced or won criteriums across France and Europe. More criteriums are scheduled for the days ahead, promising more excitement and thrilling races.
As the cycling season continues, fans can look forward to more post-Tour de France criteriums, where riders will showcase their skills, entertain the crowds, and compete for victory in a unique and exciting format.
[1] Tour de France structure and associated races [4] History of post-Tour de France criteriums (indirectly detailed)
Sports enthusiasts can anticipate more post-Tour de France criteriums as a part of the ongoing cycling season. These unofficial races, like the one held in Lisieux, provide a unique platform for riders to showcase their skills and entertain crowds, setting themselves apart from the official Tour stages. The criteriums' outcomes are often influenced by marketing and crowd appeal, offering a distinct and exciting format for cycling fans to enjoy.
