Here’s a bold claim that’s shaking up the cycling world: Red Bull might be backing the wrong horse with Remco Evenepoel, and Florian Lipowitz could be the real contender to challenge Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France. This provocative statement comes from veteran Eurosport commentator Karsten Migels, who believes the German super-team, Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, may be overlooking a homegrown talent in favor of a bigger name. But is this just a matter of star power, or is there more to the story? And this is the part most people miss: Could Lipowitz’s potential be the key to a historic Tour de France victory for German cycling?
The high-profile signing of Remco Evenepoel has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the World Tour. With Olympic titles, multiple time trial world championships, and a Vuelta victory under his belt, Evenepoel brings undeniable pedigree. Yet, Migels argues that Lipowitz, who delivered a breakout 2025 season with a podium finish and the young rider’s jersey in Paris, might be better equipped to take on the Tour’s unique challenges. But here’s where it gets controversial: While Evenepoel has proven himself in the Vuelta, Migels questions whether he can maintain the mental and physical stability required for three grueling weeks at the Tour. Could this be a case of Red Bull prioritizing global stardom over strategic team-building?
The arrival of Evenepoel, coupled with the continued presence of Grand Tour veteran Primoz Roglic, creates a leadership tug-of-war within the team. Team boss Ralph Denk has openly acknowledged Evenepoel’s ambition to shape races, not just ride them. But what does this mean for Lipowitz, who has carried the team’s General Classification (GC) hopes over the past season? Migels hopes Lipowitz will still get the chance to build on his achievements, but with Red Bull’s involvement as an Austrian sponsor, the focus might shift away from Germany’s rising star. Is this a fair trade-off, or is the team risking its long-term potential for short-term glory?
Roglic, though in the later stages of his career, remains a proven leader with expectations to helm the biggest races. This leaves Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe with three riders vying for a single undisputed leadership slot at the Tour. Migels admits he didn’t fully understand the Evenepoel signing, suggesting the team could have continued building around Lipowitz and its younger talents. But what if Evenepoel’s presence is exactly what the team needs to elevate its global standing?
As the team heads into 2026 with new management and a trio of Grand Tour leaders, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will they back Lipowitz, double down on Evenepoel, or rely on Roglic’s experience? For Migels, the answer is clear: Lipowitz has earned the right to lead. “He has the ability to carry the flag for German cycling,” Migels concluded, “but he needs the platform to do it.” Do you agree, or is Evenepoel the safer bet for Tour de France success? Let’s spark a debate in the comments—whose side are you on?
