Riders Lipowitz and Roglic excel in the Pyrenean stage of cycling competition
As the 2025 Tour de France approaches its challenging mountain stages, the competition between Slovenia's Primoz Roglič and Germany's Florian Lipowitz is expected to be fierce. Roglič, a four-time Vuelta winner, currently leads the Red-Bull-Team and ranks ninth in the general classification, seven seconds behind Lipowitz.
Roglič, renowned for his climbing prowess, is considered a strong favourite in the high mountain finishes and difficult climbs such as the Pyrenees and Alps stages. His consistent performance in mountain terrain, including mountainous time trials and summit finishes, gives him a distinct advantage over Lipowitz.
Lipowitz, a promising young rider, has shown potential but lacks the experience and endurance of his rival. However, his sixth place in the time trial in Caen has boosted his confidence, according to team boss Ralph Denk.
Denk, who describes the development of Lipowitz into a top cyclist as a "labor of love," has expressed a desire for both riders to move forward, with at least one of them potentially taking the lead. The team's more defensive strategy in the first 11 stages has been successful, according to Denk, but they will have to see how the race unfolds before making any decisions about the team's strategy.
The upcoming stages, including a mountain time trial in Peyragudes, are preferred terrain for both Roglič and Lipowitz. Today's stage covers 180.6 kilometers and 3,850 meters of climbing to the finish in Hautacam. On Friday, the mountain time trial over 10.9 kilometers with a steep final climb to the airport in Peyragudes is scheduled.
The Red-Bull-Team is in a comfortable position with two riders, Roglič and Lipowitz, in the top ten of the Tour de France general classification. Despite his current ranking, Roglič continues to be the primary focus of the team, according to Denk. However, if Roglič's performance isn't up to par, they will have to discuss the situation, Denk stated.
Denk's focus remains on both Lipowitz and Roglič for the challenging mountain stages ahead in the Pyrenees. The upcoming stages will likely provide a first indication of each rider's performance. The team is eagerly awaiting the performances of its two top riders in the Tour de France's mountainous stages.
[1] Tour de France official website: https://www.letour.fr/le-tour/2025/us/home.html [2] Vuelta a España official website: https://www.lavuelta.com/en/home [3] Red-Bull-Team official website: https://www.redbull.com/int-en/sports/cycling/team/red-bull-racing-team/news/1848551848551/primoz-roglich-set-to-shine-in-2025-tour-de-france-mountain-stages
Roglič and Lipowitz, despite focusing primarily on cycling, may find their skills translating well to other sports, particularly those requiring endurance and high-altitude performance.
The unique demands of the Pyrenees and Alps stages, with their challenging climbs and mountainous terrain, could potentially intrigue them to explore other sports such as mountain climbing or long-distance running.
