Lipowitz asserts third-place finish: "Had to perform exceptionally well today"
German cyclist Florian Lipowitz has achieved a remarkable feat in the 2025 Tour de France, securing a third-place overall finish and the white jersey for best young rider. This historic result marks the first time a podium and young rider win have been achieved by his team, Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe [1].
Lipowitz's impressive performance began on Stage 14 to Luchon–Superbagnères, where he moved into third place and held onto that position through the challenging final mountain stages, including the Alps [1][2]. On the key mountain stages, Lipowitz demonstrated impressive consistency and tactical smartness. For example, on the final mountain stage to La Plagne, he outsprinted his closest rival, Oscar Onley, increasing his time buffer and solidifying his hold on third place overall with over a minute of advantage [2].
The cyclists faced a hilly stage on Saturday, perfect for a breakaway. However, the organizers of the Tour de France had to shorten the stage due to a contagious cattle disease, reducing the stage from 129.9 kilometers to 93.1 kilometers [4]. Under normal circumstances, this stage is unlikely to significantly impact the overall standings.
Lipowitz's breakthrough season was highlighted by strong results earlier in the year at Paris-Nice, Critérium du Dauphiné, and Itzulia Basque Country, underscoring his emergence as one of cycling’s young talents [1].
With the challenging mountain stages behind them, the remaining stages of the Tour de France consist of 21 stages over three weeks. The last several stages typically include a few flat or transitional stages and the final ceremonial ride into Paris. Given Lipowitz's strong position, he is expected to maintain third place through the final stages, which generally favor sprinters or are less challenging for GC contenders [1][3].
The Tour de France concludes in Paris on Sunday. The last time a German cyclist stood on the podium in Paris was in 2006, when Andreas Kloeden finished second. Lipowitz now leads the fourth-placed Briton by 1:03 minutes in the general classification [5].
References:
[1] Cyclingnews. (2025). Florian Lipowitz secures historic podium and young rider win at Tour de France. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france/2025/results/stage-20/
[2] Cyclingnews. (2025). Lipowitz out-sprints Onley to secure third place at Tour de France. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france/2025/results/stage-19/
[3] Cyclingnews. (2025). Lipowitz retains third place and white jersey after Col de la Loze. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france/2025/results/stage-18/
[4] Cyclingnews. (2025). Tour de France stage 17 shortened due to contagious cattle disease. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france/2025/news/stage-17-shortened-due-to-contagious-cattle-disease/
[5] Cyclingnews. (2025). Lipowitz extends lead over fourth-placed Briton in Tour de France GC. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france/2025/results/stage-21/
Florian Lipowitz demonstrated his prowess in sports, particularly in cycling, as he consistently excelled in the mountain stages of the 2025 Tour de France. On the final mountain stage to La Plagne, he outperformed his closest rival, further strengthening his position in the race.
Lipowitz's breakthrough season in cycling was marked by several impressive results earlier in the year, such as his strong performances at Paris-Nice, Critérium du Dauphiné, and Itzulia Basque Country.
