Edinburgh, Scotland – Belgian cyclist Tim Willens, from the Emirates – XRG team, won the overall title of the 2026 Tour of Lloyd’s of Britain. After successfully defending the green jersey during the fifth and final stage held in the Scottish border region. To dedicate the Emirati team to its 71st victory this season.
The closing day witnessed an exceptional achievement for the Emirates – XRG cycling team, after Nils Pollitt won the fifth stage title. Achieving the team’s 70th victory during the 2026 season, seconds before Willens crossed the finish line and clinched the overall standings title.
On Sunday, the Emirati team presented a remarkable collective performance throughout the stage, after it succeeded in dismantling the main group, taking advantage of the influence of side winds. He pushed five of his riders to the front in an advanced group of eight riders.
The team launched its decisive move more than 80 kilometers before the finish line, taking advantage of Daddy Bank’s rise. Which is 1.9 kilometers long and has an average slope of up to 5.5 percent. Willens, Paulette, Mikkel Berg, Florian Vermeersch and Benoit Cosnefroy separated from the main group. In a team performance that reflected the strength and cohesion of the team.
Willens’ title coronation represents his second victory this season, and his first in the overall standings since winning the Tour of Rennie in 2024. It is also the 10th overall title in his career, and his 43rd victory at the professional level.
The Belgian cyclist took the lead in the overall standings during the fourth stage, which was held on Saturday. After a strong performance that led him to wear the green shirt, before he succeeded in maintaining it in the final stage.
Win despite difficult circumstances
The fifth phase was built entirely in the Scottish border area, starting from Earlstone and returning to it via the Lammermere Hills. Amidst rainy and stormy conditions at the beginning of the race, before weather conditions gradually improved during the afternoon.
At the start of the stage, a separate group of four riders set off, including Ben Wiggins of Team Great Britain. They managed to build a two-and-a-half-minute lead, while Fix All Quick-Step, Decathlon CMACGM and Emirates – XRG took charge of setting the pace for the main group.
The middle of the stage saw the rises of Redstone Rig, Daddy Bank and Hardins Hill. Willens maintained his position among his teammates, amid a clear mission for the team, which was to secure the green shirt and deal with any offensive attempts.
Netcompany’s Ineos team increased the pace of the race, taking advantage of the side winds, which led to the division of the main group, but the Emirates – XRG team quickly imposed its control, and five of its riders set off to the front, accompanied by Filippo Ghana from Ineos, leaving the main group behind them.
Entering the last ten kilometers, the advancing group maintained an advantage of more than a minute. Before Nils Pollitt launched his decisive attack, he succeeded in moving away from his opponents, crossing the finish line alone and winning the stage. It is the tenth victory in his career.
Florian Vermeersch finished second in the stage, Benoit Cosnevroy came fourth, and Mikkel Berg finished seventh. While Tim Willens finished the stage in eighth place.
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Thanks to these results, the Emirates – XRG team ended its participation in the Tour of Britain in a distinguished manner. After combining winning the overall title through Willens, winning the fifth stage through Bullitt, in addition to deciding the team standings.
The team celebrated with all its members on the podium in Earlston, after a strong performance to achieve its first title in the Lloyd’s Tour of Britain. It adds a new stop to its exceptional season.
The team began its participation in the tour in an offensive manner during the opening stage in Lincoln. Willens and Vermeersch finished the stage in the top ten. Before the team took advantage in the second stage of side wind conditions to push Willens to second place in the overall standings.
The most notable move towards the title came during the royal stage between Helmsley and Libourne, when Willens and his teammates launched an attack in the Yorkshire Dales. The Belgian cyclist succeeded in overtaking then-race leader Luis Aski and snatching the green shirt.
