Fresh Off the Slopes: The Rising Star Lipowitz Kickstarts Tour de France Journey
Red Bull distributing a substantial global tour to rising star Lipowitz
Reddit LinkedIn Telegram ** Reddit Email Print Copy Link German sensation Lipowitz embarks on his Tour de France adventure.**
Against the backdrop of Primoz Roglic, cycling's most revered figure, the young German prodigy Florian Lipowitz prepares for his Tour de France debut. As a promising addition to Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe's powerhouse team, Lipowitz is all set to test his mettle alongside the giants in the world's premier cycling race starting on July 5 in Lille.
Lipowitz, the sole German in the Red Bull team, is not expected to chase his personal ambitions in the Tour just yet. This prodigious talent, who has shown remarkable ascension, is seen as an important asset to Roglic, who aims for the Paris podium as captain. Before the Grand Départ, Rolf Aldag, a seasoned sports director, emphasized the team's enduring confidence in Roglic, labeling him "focused, motivated, and well-prepared."
Is Lipowitz the secret weapon?
In Roglic's pursuit of grand success, the German's emergence as a world-class athlete is instrumental. Lipowitz demonstrated his prowess at the prestigious Critérium du Dauphiné, where he finished as the top young rider and just a step behind Tour winner Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. Lipowitz's inclusion, according to the team, aims to help him gain more Grand Tour experience under Roglic. Interestingly, Lipowitz's recent performances hint that he may be the strongest rider in the Red Bull lineup.
The 24-year-old star spoke candidly about his expectations, expressing optimism about competing at the front during mountainous stages and potentially playing a crucial role for Roglic. This belief mirrors the prediction of sports experts, who see Lipowitz as a formidable force in the coming years. His own spectacular ride in the 2021 Vuelta in Spain, where he garnered an impressive 7th place overall, echoes these expectations.
Lipowitz isn't alone in this extraordinary venture. Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe's Tour roster includes three other debutants: New Zealander Laurence Pithie, Dutchman Mick van Dijke, and Jordi Meeus from Belgium. The team is completed by rugged veterans like Gianni Moscon, Danny van Poppel, and Alexander Wlassow. According to Aldag, the squad's strength in the first half will significantly aid their climbers as they navigate the formidable Pyrenees.
The Making of a Future Champion
With his intrepid spirit and burgeoning talent, Lipowitz has left an indelible mark on cycling since he burst onto the scene. His rise, marked by success in the Czech Tour, Tour of Turkey, and Sibiu Cycling Tour, among others, has captivated the cycling community. Analysts view him as an adaptable rider, skilled at time trials and solid on climbs. Though not a pure climber, Lipowitz's weight, at 68 kg, is on the heavier side for climbing specialists. Yet, his determination to attain a place among the general classification (GC) contenders is undeniable. The 2024 Vuelta a España served as a transformative experience for Lipowitz, as he grappled with the immense physical and mental challenges of a Grand Tour.
The Future Belongs to Lipowitz
As the curtain rises on the 2022 Tour de France, the cycling community eagerly awaits Lipowitz's impact. Although expectations for Lipowitz were modest early in his career, the last few years have seen him emerge as a formidable rising star. With impressive performances at Paris–Nice, Critérium du Dauphiné, and the Tour de Romandie, Lipowitz has taken the cycling world by storm. Under the tutelage of Roglic, the young gun promises to leave an indelible mark on the Tour de France – and the future of cycling.
Finishing in the top spot at the prestigious Critérium du Dauphiné and just behind Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, Lipowitz has showcased his potential as a world-class athlete in cycling.
Lipowitz's determined pursuit of a place among the general classification (GC) contenders, coupled with his adaptability in time trials and climbing, makes him an exciting prospect for the future of sports, not just cycling.
