Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe assert Tour de France podium despite debatable methods, with Primož Roglič under their watchful eye
Roglič Pursues Personal Glory in 2025 Tour de France
In the 2025 Tour de France, Primož Roglič, a member of the Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe team, demonstrated a shift in focus from overall podium ambitions to personal stage victories. At 35 years old, Roglič appeared weary and somewhat indifferent to general classification results, having stated early in the race that he “didn’t really care” about the overall standings[1].
Despite his indifference, Roglič remained competitive enough to move up to fifth overall after the Mont Ventoux stage. His strategy involved attacking on key mountain stages to secure stage victories, rather than team support work[1][2]. This choice was unusual, given his experience and stature within the team. Normally, the more experienced rider would work for the younger teammate’s overall podium, but Roglič’s apparent weariness and impending potential retirement led him to focus on personal milestones in what might be his final Tour de France[1][2].
Roglič's teammate, Florian Lipowitz, a Tour de France debutant, was not supported by Roglič during the final two mountain days in the Alps. This divergence between team goals and individual motivation was noted by team members and commentators[1][2]. The team's initial strategy was to aim for a podium finish with either Roglič or Lipowitz, but Roglič's personal choice to chase stage wins over collective tactics in the late stages illustrated a divergence between team goals and individual motivation[1][2].
Lipowitz, however, learned a lesson from his actions in the third week of the Tour de France. After allowing himself a quick glance at the finish line, expressing his satisfaction with his performance, he paid a high price for his attack on stage 18, losing significant time in the last three kilometers[3]. Despite this setback, Lipowitz remained resilient, demonstrating the potential for future success in the sport.
Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe’s long-term team strategy was initially cautious and low-risk, aiming for a podium finish with either Roglič or Lipowitz. However, Roglič’s personal choice to chase stage wins over collective tactics in the final phase of the race illustrated a divergence between team goals and individual motivation[1][2]. Despite this, the team remains optimistic, with Red Bull set to achieve their pre-race goal: a top-three finish, and also aiming to win the young riders' classification[4].
In summary, Roglič’s motivation in 2025 was to win stages rather than compete aggressively for overall podium or fully support Lipowitz. His strategy involved attacking on key mountain stages to secure stage victories instead of team support work[1][2]. This reflected his personal priorities and possible nearing end to his career, as finishing slightly off the podium in GC was less important to him than taking tangible stage wins[2]. The nuanced situation highlights the complex balance between individual ambition and team strategy in Grand Tours, especially when a veteran rider is nearing retirement.
[1] Cycling News (2025). Primož Roglič: I didn't really care about the overall standings
[2] Velonews (2025). Primož Roglič prioritizes stage wins over overall podium ambitions
[3] Eurosport (2025). Florian Lipowitz pays a high price for his attack on stage 18
[4] Cycling Weekly (2025). Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe aim for top-three finish and young riders' classification
Sports strategy took an unusual turn in the 2025 Tour de France, with Primoz Roglič focusing on personal stage victories instead of supporting teammates for overall podium finishes. Instead of traditional team support work, Roglič chose to attack on key mountain stages to secure stage wins.
