Competitors Lipowitz and Roglic excel during the Pyrenees stage of the race
In the upcoming days of the Tour de France, the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team is bracing itself for some challenging mountain stages. The team, currently in a fortunate position to have two riders, Primož Roglič and Florian Lipowitz, in the top ten, is confident that both cyclists have unique strengths that could influence their performance in the Pyrenees.
Primož Roglič, a seasoned rider with a strong Grand Tour history, including four Vuelta wins and a Giro victory, has been dealing with recent setbacks. A crash at the Giro d'Italia left him somewhat untested in major races before the Tour de France this year. However, his experience and ability to perform under pressure in high mountains could still make him a strong contender in the Pyrenees.
Florian Lipowitz, a rising talent, has recently finished third at the Critérium du Dauphiné, suggesting he has the form to compete at a high level. His aggressive style was evident early in the Tour de France, and he is seen as a key climber for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. While he lacks the extensive Grand Tour experience of Roglič, his current form and youthful energy could allow him to excel in challenging mountain stages.
The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team has set up a balanced strategy, aiming to support Roglič while also giving Lipowitz opportunities to shine. They see Lipowitz as both a domestique and a potential GC contender, which could allow him to take risks and push hard in the mountains. Rolf Aldag, the team's sports director, has mentioned that the team is trying to reduce pressure on Roglič, allowing him to focus on his competitors.
As the race enters the Pyrenees, it's expected to be a tough fight between Lipowitz and Roglič. The first indication of who might perform better will be seen in the upcoming stages. Red Bull Team Principal Ralph Denk is eagerly awaiting the performances of his top riders, Florian Lipowitz and Primož Roglič, in these first mountain stages. Denk is pleased with the performances of both cyclists so far, with Lipowitz's sixth place in the time trial in Caen particularly impressive.
Roglič, currently ninth in the general classification, seven seconds behind Lipowitz, has made it through southern France without a crash, a goal for the team. On Friday, a mountain time trial over 10.9 kilometers with a steep final climb to the airport in Peyragudes is scheduled. Despite his current position, Roglič continues to hold the leadership role in the Red Bull team.
Denk describes the development of Lipowitz into a top cyclist as his "heart project." The team aims to move forward with both riders, or at least one of them, in the upcoming stages. While Roglič's crash out of the Giro d'Italia at the end of May may have left some doubts, his resilience and determination are not to be underestimated. Ultimately, their performance will depend on how they manage race conditions, team dynamics, and personal strategy in the high mountains.
Sports enthusiasts should eagerly anticipate the performance of Florian Lipowitz and Primož Roglič in the upcoming mountain stages of the Tour de France in the Pyrenees. Both cyclists, with their unique strengths and current form, could significantly impact the race's outcome.
