Baumann believes in Lipowitz: This is how the riders survive the heat of the tour!

Baumann believes in Lipowitz: This is how the riders survive the heat of the tour!

Today, July 19, 2025, the cyclists of the Tour de France face exciting challenges. The 24-year-old Florian Lipowitz from Team Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe did well in the first days of the competition and is currently in the respectable 8th place in the overall ranking, 3:30 minutes behind the yellow jersey and 3:05 minutes behind the leader Tadej Pogačar. The Schwäbische reports that Dr. Matthias Baumann, head of trauma surgery at the SRH Clinic in Sigmaringen, knows Lipowitz well and thinks highly of him. Baumann, who has previously looked after several world champions and Olympic champions, sees great potential in the young professional cyclist and estimates that Lipowitz could finish third in the overall ranking.

During the tour's first rest day in Toulouse, Lipowitz planned a two-hour training ride, followed by lunch and a small power nap. He sees himself as a valuable helper in the team, while Primoz Roglic takes on the captain's role. There is good cooperation in the team, which is based on their shared history in winter sports. According to Lipowitz, his team's focus is clearly on their own strengths and the fight for third place, while their eyes are on prominent rival Jonas Vingegaard and defending champion Pogačar.

The challenges of cycling

The pressure in cycling should not be underestimated, and this not only affects the riders, but the entire team and sponsors. The pressure on the athletes is also recognized by Marcel Kittel, a former sprinter and current business student. In an interview, Kittel talked about how sensitive many athletes are and that they are often under enormous psychological pressure. He is aware that cycling has a high density of mental illnesses and advocates for more support for the personal development of athletes. This is also demanded by Markus Gretz, a sports psychology expert.

Another example of the psychological challenges in cycling is Thibaut Pinot, who has experienced intense setbacks in his career and is not represented in the Tour this year. He has spoken publicly about his doubts as to whether he will ever find his way back to his old form. Stories like this are not uncommon in cycling, and they show that the mental aspect plays just as important a role as physical fitness.

A look into the future

While Lipowitz continues to give his best in the race, cycling also has significant events ahead. The 2024 Cycling World Championships will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, marking a historic step as it will be the first World Championships in Africa. Dr. Baumann is positive about the event and emphasizes that cycling is already established in the country, despite the political challenges in the past.

Overall, German cycling is moving through exciting times, filled with talent and the need to promote both physical and mental health of athletes. The road to Paris will certainly be filled with challenges, but also countless opportunities.