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SportsFlorian Lipowitz declares attack for second place, targets Vingegaard ahead of Alps
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German cyclist Florian Lipowitz (25) of Red Bull has issued a declaration of war ahead of the mountain stages of the 2026 Tour de France, eyeing second-placed Jonas Vingegaard. The article reports that Lipowitz, currently seventh overall, is motivated by thousands of German fans lining the route near the border. His team boss Ralph Denk expressed confidence, stating they are exactly where they want to be as the big mountains begin. The stage on Friday was won by Swiss rider Mauro Schmid from a breakaway, while Olympic mountain bike champion Tom Pidcock surprised by moving ahead of Lipowitz in the overall standings. Red Bull has yet to achieve its stated goal of a stage win, but Lipowitz remains optimistic about the weekend. Tadej Pogacar continues in yellow, ahead of Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel.
Source report
It will be a German-themed Tour weekend — at least from the spectators' perspective. But what about the sporting action? At the Tour de France, a clear declaration of intent has been made.
Florian Lipowitz (25) is looking ahead to the mountains, which truly begin on Saturday with the 155 km stage from Mulhouse to Le Markstein. When asked whether he is eyeing not only the podium but also second-placed Jonas Vingegaard (29, Denmark), the Swabian said:
"I think it will become clear at the latest tomorrow what is possible in this regard. But I think we can be quite happy so far."
His Red Bull team boss, Ralph Denk (52), is equally unconcerned and optimistic:
"We are exactly where we want to be. From tomorrow it will really get going. We are happy that the big mountains are starting now."
Red Bull is brimming with confidence, and German fans are cheering Lipowitz along the route. On Friday — the longest stage of this year's Tour, covering 206 km from Dole to Belfort — thousands of German supporters lined the roads with black-red-gold flags, no longer needing national football jerseys to show their pride.
As expected, a breakaway group prevailed, with Swiss rider Mauro Schmid (26) winning the sprint. The favorites, including Lipowitz, finished together in the peloton.
Mauro Schmid (26) rides for the Australian team Jayco Alula. Photo: AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy
Mountain Biker Surprises Everyone
The Red Bull captain commented:
"Today there were already an incredible number of German spectators. That is naturally motivating and makes you happy when so many are standing along the route."
However, Lipowitz dropped one place in the overall standings and now sits seventh. The reason: a surprise performance from Tom Pidcock (26), the two-time Olympic champion in mountain biking.
The Briton was part of the original 57-rider group that formed quickly after the start. He had the smallest gap to the top riders in the general classification. In the end, he finished 3rd on the stage and moved to 4th overall, 29 seconds ahead of Lipowitz. It is expected that Pidcock will pay the price for his daring ride on Saturday, or at the latest on Sunday.
Almost everywhere near the German border, German fans can be seen. Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes/REUTERS
Stage Win Still Elusive
A minor blemish for Red Bull ahead of the mountains: the stated goal of a stage win remains unfulfilled. Lipowitz said:
"It would be nice if you could win just one stage. But I think we can be quite happy as it is and then see what happens on the weekend."
Tadej Pogacar (27, Slovenia) continues in the yellow jersey, ahead of Vingegaard and Lipowitz's co-captain Remco Evenepoel (26, Belgium).
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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German Tour Star Florian Lipowitz Declares Attack for Second Place Ahead of Alps