It is a fifth stage win for UAE during this year’s race, with Pogacar claiming the other four.
“It is a very special victory,” said Wellens. “Everybody knows the Tour de France but not many people win in the Tour de France, so it was very beautiful.”
After three gruelling days in the Pyrenees mountains, the 166 remaining riders faced a transitional stage before the second and final rest day of this year’s Tour.
The stage looked set for a breakaway win and Wellens sensed his opportunity on the last of the three categorised climbs, up the Pas du Sant 55km from the line.
Wellens emerged from a lead group of eight on the ascent, along with Michael Storer, Quinn Simmons and Victor Campeanaerts.
The group briefly reformed on the long descent to Carcassone but moments later, Wellens attacked with 44 km to go and the chasers never looked like closing the gap.
“I felt super good today,” Wellens added. “On the last climb of the day I felt really good. I knew the others felt really good but I knew I had to go solo. At the top of the climb I found my moment and I felt I had the legs to keep it to the end.
“I knew I had to enjoy the moment and kept riding until the end so I had a big gap to enjoy it and maybe put my bike in the air after the finish – but I was so happy I forgot to do it.”
