Frosting Heights in the Pyrenees: Comparative Force demonstrated by Lipowitz and Roglic
In the ongoing Tour de France, Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič is maintaining a strong position in the general classification, currently placed ninth. As the race enters its first challenging mountain stages in the Pyrenees, expectations are high for Roglič, who is known for his prowess in mountainous terrains.
Roglič, a four-time Vuelta a España winner and a Giro d'Italia champion, leads the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe team in the Tour de France. Team Principal Ralph Denk has expressed satisfaction with having two riders, Roglič and Florian Lipowitz, in the top ten of the Tour de France.
Lipowitz, a rising star in the cycling world, currently holds the seventh position in the general classification, seven seconds ahead of Roglič. Denk, who considers Lipowitz's development into a top cyclist as his "heart project," has been impressed by the young German's performance so far, particularly his sixth place in the time trial in Caen.
However, Roglič's experience and track record suggest a stronger showing in the upcoming mountain stages. With multiple victories in Grand Tours under his belt, Roglich has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform well in mountain stages, making him a strong contender for the podium.
The upcoming stages will test both riders, as they face a short but challenging mountain time trial in Peyragudes. The 10.9-kilometer course features a steep final climb to the airport, providing an exciting battle between the two Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe riders.
Denk has expressed concerns about Roglič's susceptibility to crashes, as seen in his withdrawal from the Giro d'Italia. However, Roglič has reached southern France without a crash, which bodes well for his chances in the mountain stages.
The fight for the top positions in the Tour de France between Roglič and Lipowitz is expected to be tough. Despite this, Denk has stated that they aim to move forward with both riders, or at least one, in the Tour de France. He added that while Roglič is their main focus, he has the flexibility to make changes if necessary.
As the race progresses, the upcoming stages in the Pyrenees will provide a first indication of the performance of the two top riders, Roglič and Lipowitz. The mountain stages are their preferred terrain, and the team's more defensive strategy in the first eleven stages has paid off for Roglič, setting the stage for an exciting battle in the upcoming stages.
Roglič, a four-time Vuelta a España winner and a Giro d'Italia champion, leads his team, Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, in sports like the Tour de France. Despite Lipowitz, a rising star in cycling, currently holding the seventh position in the general classification, seven seconds ahead of Roglič, Roglič's experience and track record suggest a stronger showing in upcoming sports events, particularly the challenging mountain stages in the Pyrenees.
