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

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

This day, July 19, 2025, the cyclists of the Tour de France face exciting challenges. The 24-year-old Florian Lipowitz of Team Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe beat Wacker in the first few days of the competition and currently occupies the respectable 8th place in the overall classification with a gap of 3:30 minutes on the yellow jersey and 3:05 minutes onto the leading Tadej Pogačar. The Schwäbische reports that Dr. Matthias Baumann, chief physician of trauma surgery at the SRH clinic in Sigmaringen, knows Lipowitz well and holds a lot of him. Baumann, who has previously looked after several world champions and Olympic champions, sees great potential in the young cycling professional and estimates that Lipowitz could become third overall.

During the first day of rest of the tour in Toulouse, Lipowitz planned a two -hour training trip, followed by lunch and a small powernap. He sees himself as a noble helper in the team, while Primoz Roglic takes on the captain's role. There is a good cooperation in the team that is feeding from their common history in winter sports. According to Lipowitz, his team's focus is clearly on his own strengths and the fight for third place, while the eyes are aimed at the prominent rival Jonas Vingegaard and the defending champion Pogačar.

The challenges of cycling

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

Another example of the psychological challenges in cycling is Thibaut Pinot, who has experienced intensive setbacks in his career and is not represented on the tour this year. He spoke publicly about his doubts whether he will ever find it back to the old form. Such stories are not uncommon in cycling, and they show that the mental aspect plays an as important role as physical fitness.

A look into the future

While Lipowitz continues to do its best in the race, cycling also has significant events. The 2024 World Cup is held in Kigali, Rwanda and marks a historical step because it will be the first World Cup in Africa. Dr. Baumann expresses itself positively about the event and emphasizes that cycling in the country has already been established, despite the political challenges in the past.

Overall, German cycling moves in exciting times, filled with talent and the need to promote both the physical and mental health of the athletes. The path to Paris will certainly be challenged, but also with countless possibilities.