Although Florian Lipowitz struggled with health problems in preparation for the Tour of Catalonia, he finished the traditional race in a strong 3rd place overall. TV expert Jens Voigt sees the 25-year-old “just a touch” behind the exceptional talents Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard.
“I’m completely thrilled with how he drives and how he’s coping with all the hustle and bustle since his third place in the Tour de France. Many German fans have the hope that Florian will be the next black-red-gold Tour winner. It’s fascinating how he deals with how down-to-earth he has remained,” enthused Jens Voigt in Florian Lipowitz’s “Eurosport” interview.
During the traditional Tour of Catalonia, the German cycling hopeful impressively demonstrated his good early form, claimed third place overall on the seventh and final stage in Barcelona on Sunday and left a strong impression at the same place around three months before the start of the Tour de France. Is there another podium finish in the Tour?
“That’s the cardinal question,” answered Voigt, who followed up with: “Whether at the Tour last year or now in Catalonia: When Tadej Pogacar or Jonas Vingegaard attacked, Lipowitz was one of the few riders who always tried to go with them.” Lipowitz is now “just a touch” behind the two superstars, according to the former professional.
Cycling: Lipowitz only has to turn “small, fine screws”.
The TV expert is sure that the 25-year-old can keep up with the two exceptional talents, especially in the mountains, but he still sees room for improvement with Lipowitz: “On the one hand, he can optimize the time trial by driving more aerodynamically and spending a lot of time on the time trial machine so that the body gets used to it.” He is also still missing an “explosive start”.
“Lipowitz tries to slowly bring the two back again using the “diesel engine method”. He can’t keep up with the first brutal start. If he goes along, he would quickly get into the red area and would then need ten minutes to recover again. The hard starts and changes in rhythm – that’s where Vingegaard and Pogacar have advantages,” Voigt continues to analyze.
In order to be able to keep up with the two top favorites on the tour, the German only has to turn “small, fine adjustments,” said the 54-year-old.
