The German cycling hope Florian Lipowitz has also mastered the next difficult stage at the Tour de France, and even expanded its lead over a podium in the overall ranking on the way to Mont Ventoux. Ex-professional Jan Ullrich warns the 24-year-old against being too safe for his cause.
“There are still very heavy stages, it is not yet through,” the champion from 1997 warned the new German shooting star of the Tour de France in the “Velo Club” by “Eurosport” after the 16th stage on Mont Ventoux on Tuesday: “If he can reach the podium, this is a dream of every bike professional.”
The Swabian native, who has been wearing the white jersey of the best young professional since the task of Remco Evenepoel on Saturday, had even expanded his lead in the overall rating of the France tour on the fourth-placed British Oscar Olery on the hard section in French Provence.
Tour de France: Lipowitz must not dream
Despite the comfortable starting situation before the final sprint on the tour of the France, Lipowitz should, according to Ullrich, place his entire focus on defending third place in the overall ranking. Tadej Pogacar and ex-winner Jonas Vingegaard are out of reach for the shooting star.
Video: Tour highlights: Irres finish on Mont Ventoux
“Sometimes you start dreaming, I notice that with myself. But we have to say goodbye. The two aliens drive at the front. You should concentrate on the podium square and the white jersey,” said the 51-year-old on Tuesday evening. Ralph Denk, Lipowitz ‘team boss at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.
“You have to be careful. We have to stay focused and don’t have a bad day or get sick,” emphasized the 51-year-old with a view to the upcoming tasks in the “ARD”. While a rather flat stage is coming up on Wednesday, the mountains will get down to business on Thursday and Friday.