Ben Healy has capped off a sensational Tour de France with the prestigious super-combativity award, recognised by the race jury for his relentless attacking style and all-in approach over three weeks of racing. The EF Education-EasyPost rider becomes just the second Irishman in history to win the prize, joining Dan Martin who claimed it in 2018.
Healy’s 2025 Tour has been a breakout campaign on every level. After announcing himself with a solo victory on stage 6 into Vire Normandie, the 23-year-old went on to spend a spell in the yellow jersey, then rode to a defiant second place on Mont Ventoux. Assuming he completes the final stage around Paris, he’ll finish ninth overall – an impressive GC result for a rider not initially billed as a general classification contender.
Photo Credit: GettyBut it’s his constant presence in the attacks that truly stood out. Day after day, Healy featured in breakaways, animated mountain stages and refused to settle into the rhythm of the peloton. His bold approach made him a crowd favourite and an obvious candidate for the super-combativity prize, which honours the rider who embodies attacking spirit across the entire race.
“Ben Healy: Tour de France stage winner, yellow jersey wearer, and now Super Combative,” read a celebratory message from EF Education-EasyPost. “This one is for the breakaway artists. Those who emptied themselves every day out on the road and entertained us with every pedal stroke.”
Healy edged out stiff competition from seven other prolific attackers: Jonas Abrahamsen, Thymen Arensman, Quinn Simmons, Tim Wellens, Michael Storer, Jordan Jegat and Bruno Armirail. Abrahamsen earned the most public votes on social media, but the final decision came down to a combination of fan voting and jury selection, where Healy came out on top.
Photo Credit: GettyHis award also makes it back-to-back wins for EF Education-EasyPost, with Richard Carapaz claiming the same honour in 2024. It further reinforces the American team’s identity as one that animates Grand Tours with aggressive racing, often from unexpected riders.
The Irishman’s efforts may not be finished either. With the addition of the Montmartre climb on the final stage into Paris, Healy could yet sign off in the same fashion he rode the entire race – on the attack.
Whatever happens in the capital, Healy’s Tour has already been a personal and national success, marking a new high in his young career and placing him firmly among the brightest stars of the peloton.
