Florian Lipowitz: On the way to the Tour de France surprise!

Florian Lipowitz: On the way to the Tour de France surprise!

Today, July 15, 2025, the professional cyclists of the Tour de France are taking their well-deserved first day of rest, and in Toulouse Florian Lipowitz, the 24-year-old star of German cycling, shows himself in the best light. After ten exhausting days of racing, Lipowitz climbed to a respectable 8th place overall, 3.5 minutes behind the coveted yellow jersey and 3'05 minutes behind the strong Tadej Pogačar. While others in the Peleton grow weary, Lipowitz remains motivated – and for good reason.

Lipowitz's first impressions are of high media presence and a large audience. “You notice it straight away, the pressure to perform is high,” he says. On this rest day he has two hours of quiet training ride, lunch, a short power nap and a visit to his parents. “The support of my family is important,” says Lipowitz, who sees himself as a “noble helper” in his team while at the same time preparing for the upcoming mountain stages in the Pyrenees. However, his main goal remains clear: to arrive in Paris and not only impress, but also inspire German cycling.

Reinforced team strategy

Sports director Rolf Aldag commented on the team's preparation and emphasized the importance of team strength during the first half of the race. After a thorough review of all the stages that were analyzed and simulated, the race plan for the coming weeks is clear. “It's about leading our three best climbers safely into the Pyrenees,” explains Aldag, while Lipowitz and Primož Roglič, who on paper is the team leader, enter the race as co-leaders. Lipowitz now boasts a strong third-place finish at the Criterium du Dauphiné, which could bring him additional responsibility for a top finish.

“We have a good knack for working together,” says Lipowitz optimistically about his relationship with Roglič. The experienced man from Slovenia is considered an important support in the mountains and has helped Lipowitz form his own class. “Sometimes I have to be reined in,” Aldag admits, but that just shows what possibilities Lipowitz has.

The pressure is growing

The competition never sleeps, because the duo Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard set standards in the competition. Lipowitz recognizes the need to focus on third place as the pressure and expectations mount. Despite the challenges, Lipowitz's motivation remains unbroken. He not only wants to win for himself, but also set an example for the German cycling community.

The next few days will be crucial for Lipowitz and his team. Even if the day of enjoyment in Toulouse is supposed to be his personal haven of peace today, the big goal, the long-term destination of Paris, remains in the back of his mind. The path there is steep – in two senses. Will he and Roglič be able to put the coals on the fire? That remains to be seen!