Inside Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe – Tour de France Podcast (English Version)

Finale: "It was incredibly tough – but a true milestone"

In the final edition covering the 2025 Tour, Denk reports on the last stage in Paris. “The images were spectacular, no doubt about that. Still, I’m more of a fan of the traditional Paris finish – and many riders told me the same,” says the 51-year-old. The team’s mood at the closing celebration was cheerful, as Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe looks back on a successful Tour de France. “It was an incredibly tough time. The Tour keeps growing, which increases the pressure and makes the racing even faster,” Denk analyzes. In the middle section, Denk reflects on the 2025 Tour de France, focusing on Lipowitz, the overall team performance, and the winner, Tadej Pogacar. “We’ve never made it to the podium in Paris before. This Tour is a true milestone for us,” says Denk. The final part addresses Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe’s season plans. “Our Vuelta roster isn’t finalized yet, and there are still some important races to come. But Lipowitz won’t ride the Spanish Grand Tour,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Jan De Meuleneir

Stage 20: "Paris could be a real battlefield"

In the current issue, Denk reports on stage 20 of the 2025 Tour de France, where the team did everything it could to secure Florian Lipowitz’s third place. “Today was pure stress again,” says Denk, who already “had a bad feeling” at the start. “Many riders were well warmed up to launch early attacks, so we saw lots of breakaway groups, and it turned into a really tough race — thankfully, we came through it well.” The background section takes a closer look at the state of German cycling. Denk explains how Germany compares to other nations, how young talent is developing, and how the German element is integrated into his own team. This year, the final stage into Paris won’t be one for the pure sprinters. The new route is challenging: first, the peloton completes four traditional laps on the Champs-Élysées, then the race continues on a 16-kilometer circuit featuring three climbs up Montmartre — each classified as a mountain point. “Paris could turn into carnage — or everyone might just roll over that final climb together. We have to be ready for anything,” says Denk. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. photo: IMAGO/Vincent Kalut

Stage 19: "It was very emotional for the whole team"

In the current issue, Denk reports on stage 19 of the 2025 Tour de France, where Florian Lipowitz secured a podium finish in the mountains. “It was very emotional for the whole team,” says Denk, referring to the final two kilometers. “He has nerves of steel and did a fantastic job.” Stage 20 returns to hilly terrain. Over the 184 kilometers to Pontarlier, there shouldn’t be major changes in the general classification — or will there be? “It was important to extend the lead, especially in light of the altered stage route in Paris. Tomorrow I expect a breakaway group of 5 to 10 riders fighting for the stage win,” says Denk. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. photo: IMAGO/JASPER JACOBS

Stage 18: "We took a risk – no blame on Florian!"

In the latest episode, Denk talks about Stage 18 of the 2025 Tour de France. “The result doesn’t look good on paper. On the other hand, we could have even won the stage today. We want to offer exciting cycling – and we did that today,” says the 51-year-old. In the general classification, Lipowitz now holds only a 22-second lead over Oscar Onley, raising questions about Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe’s tactics. “We underestimated the race situation a bit – things didn’t go ideally. But that’s cycling; you can’t plan everything. Had we won, we would’ve been heroes. Now the result isn’t great,” Denk analyzes. He explicitly defends his protégé Lipowitz: “We took a risk, and it could have worked. Florian felt good and went for it. If you don’t try, you can’t win. So no blame on him,” the team manager adds. In the final part, the focus shifts to Friday’s Stage 19. Right after the queen stage, the second part of the spectacular climbing show in the Alps is on the schedule. “We don’t have a concrete plan yet, but I can imagine we’ll take a more conservative approach and keep a close eye on Onley,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Luca Bettini

Stage 17: “Jordi is really frustrated – the victory was within reach”

In the latest edition, Denk reflects on Stage 17 of the 2025 Tour de France. “The stage win was within reach today. Jordi waited just a tick too long in the final sprint, the top speed was there. He’s really frustrated that it didn’t work out,” said the 51-year-old. Before the stage, Danny van Poppel left the race as he became a father for the first time. “Danny witnessed the birth via FaceTime last night. We discussed it and decided he should be with his family,” Denk explains. Behind the scenes, the focus is on youth development. Denk outlines how talent development is structured at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, how they work with young athletes, and how they aim to inspire the younger generation to take up cycling. The final part of the report looks ahead to Stage 18, which takes place on Thursday. The queen stage starts in Vif and covers 171.5 kilometers and 5,450 meters of elevation gain, finishing at the ski resort of Courchevel. The final climb, the Col de la Loze, is over 26 kilometers long with an average gradient of 6.5 percent. In total, the riders will face three climbs of the highest category, including the summit finish. “I expect tomorrow’s stage to be decided by the group of favorites. Our strategy is clear — we want to defend our positions in the general classification,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Jan De Meuleneir