Evenepoel, Roglic, and Lipowitz: The Contenders for Tour de France Glory
A challenging road lies ahead for cycling’s elite as they prepare for the Tour de France, with questions surrounding the form of key contenders like Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic, while the emergence of Florian Lipowitz adds an intriguing dynamic to the race. The upcoming competition promises a compelling battle for the yellow jersey.
Evenepoel, Belgium’s double Olympic champion in both the road race and time trial from the Paris 2024 games, enters the Tour carrying the weight of expectation for Soudal-QuickStep. Despite a solid fourth-place finish at the Dauphine, concerns linger about his peak condition following injuries sustained in a training accident last December. He showcased his time trial prowess with a stage four victory, but ultimately finished over four minutes behind rival Tadej Pogacar in the overall standings.
Evenepoel’s Road to Recovery
The 25-year-old’s performance last year saw him secure an impressive third-place finish on his race debut, signaling his potential. However, his recent results suggest he is still building back to his best. A senior official stated that Evenepoel’s team is focused on maximizing his potential, acknowledging the challenges posed by his recent setbacks.
Roglic’s Pursuit and Potential Challenges
Despite being considered by some as a level below Pogacar, as noted by a team performance analyst this month, Roglic brings a wealth of experience and a decorated palmarès to the table. The five-time Grand Tour winner – boasting four Vuelta a Espana titles and a Giro d’Italia victory – remains a formidable opponent. However, his preparation has been disrupted by a crash during the Volta a Catalunya in March, forcing him to withdraw from this year’s Giro.
The 35-year-old’s ability to fully recover in time for the Tour remains a significant question mark. The emotional scars of losing the 2020 Tour de France to Pogacar on the penultimate stage still linger, fueling his determination. Should Roglic falter, his team, Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe, is prepared to pivot.
The Rise of Lipowitz
Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe is expected to prioritize Roglic’s bid for a general classification podium place, but they have a compelling alternative in the form of 24-year-old German rider Florian Lipowitz. Lipowitz has already demonstrated his capabilities with a second-place overall finish at Paris-Nice and a fourth-place showing at the Tour of the Basque Country in 2025.
His emergence presents a strategic option for the team, allowing them to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the race. According to a company release, the team views Lipowitz as a potential future Grand Tour contender.
The Tour de France promises a captivating contest, with established champions and rising stars vying for supremacy. The coming weeks will reveal whether Evenepoel can recapture his peak form, if Roglic can overcome his recent setbacks, and if Lipowitz can seize the opportunity to establish himself among cycling’s elite.
