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SportsFlorian Lipowitz speaks after Tour de France crash exit: successful collarbone surgery, struggling with rib pain and breathing issues
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Florian Lipowitz, 25, captain of Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe, crashed during the Tour de France individual time trial in Thonon-les-Bains on Tuesday, misjudging a turn and breaking his collarbone. He underwent successful surgery in Switzerland that evening and returned to Austria on Thursday. In his first public statement to ARD, Lipowitz said he is doing well given the circumstances and thanked fans for their overwhelming support. He admitted he is not following the Tour closely due to the emotional pain of his involuntary exit, but is pleased that teammate Remco Evenepoel finished second overall and won two stages. Lipowitz also revealed he is struggling with rib pain and breathing issues, and looks forward to returning to cycling pain-free, though a timeline remains uncertain.
Source report
Florian Lipowitz (25) has spoken out for the first time since his serious crash at the Tour de France. The German rider of Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe crashed during the individual time trial in Thonon-les-Bains on Tuesday, misjudging a right turn, slipping with his bike, and sliding shoulder-first into the high curb.
Diagnosis: Broken collarbone. The 2025 Tour third-place finisher underwent surgery that same evening in Switzerland and returned home to Austria on Thursday.
First Statement
Speaking to ARD, Lipowitz said: "I'm doing quite well given the circumstances. The surgery went well."
He expressed particular gratitude for the support from cycling fans: "There were an enormous number of messages, but I wasn't on my phone much and spent more time with my family. But that gives me motivation to get back on the bike as quickly as possible, though that will still take a few days. I can only say thank you to all the fans for their support, also in the two weeks before the end. What was happening in terms of atmosphere, none of the German riders will forget anytime soon."
Florian Lipowitz on his way to the ambulance. Photo: SEBASTIAN KAYSER
Missing the Tour
Thousands of German fans lined the route during the stage along the German border to Le Markstein, and many were visible in the Alps afterward. However, Lipowitz has not been watching the race.
"I'm not following the Tour much, but of course I get the team's results. But I've generally tried to put the Tour and cycling aside," he explained.
The involuntary exit from the race still hurts. Nevertheless, he is pleased that his co-captain Remco Evenepoel (26/Belgium) finished second behind Tadej Pogacar (27/Slovenia) and won two stages.
"The team worked towards this result. We have a rider on the podium. I hope they celebrate properly in Paris."
Florian Lipowitz lies to the right of the yellow barrier, but can stand up shortly after. Photo: EUROSPORT
Recovery Outlook
When Lipowitz will return to cycling remains uncertain. It appears that not only his collarbone was affected, but also his ribs.
"I'm still struggling with my ribs and breathing, and I'm already looking forward to when I can sit on the bike pain-free again," he said.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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German Cycling Star Florian Lipowitz Speaks After Tour de France Crash Exit