Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe is adapting the preparation of its two Tour captains to their current form. While Evenepoel is taking a complete break from competition after 25 days of racing in the spring, Lipowitz is riding one more race after his second place at the Tour de Romandie.
Evenepoel's programme without competitions
Contrary to his original plans, the Belgian has decided not to take part in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. An altitude training camp is on the programme for May, before he combines regeneration with route visits and specific training sessions in June. "Together with Remco, we have decided to take a break from racing after the intensive spring. He should travel to Barcelona completely fresh," explains Zak Dempster, Chief of Sports at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. After analysing the 25 days of racing, the team sees more benefit in a balanced alternative programme than in further racing.
Lipowitz tests form in Slovenia
Towards the end of the week, the German will start a short recovery block after six intensive weeks of racing. His altitude training camp will follow later in May, from where he will travel directly to the Tour of Slovenia. The Slovenian stage race serves as a final test of form before the Tour de France. A short training camp is planned for the following week. He will skip the national championships as planned. "Florian has ridden extremely consistently in the past three tours. We have set the hoped-for form stimulus in the spring," says Dempster. Over the next two months, the team will continue on the path they have planned together consistently and with the necessary calm.
Lipowitz in rising form
Florian Lipowitz recently delivered a convincing race at the Tour de Romandie - only dominator Tadej Pogacar is still a size too big for the German cycling star. The 25-year-old finished the demanding Tour de Romandie and the final stage in second place behind the Slovenian world champion. In the overall standings, Lipowitz was 42 seconds behind Pogacar. Lipowitz distanced third-placed mountain specialist Lenny Martinez by 2:02 minutes. After third place in the Tour of Catalonia and second place in the Tour of the Basque Country, the Red Bull pro finished on the podium for the third time this year.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
