"All this gives me chills" – Florian Lipowtiz closes in on Tour de France podium

With just two stages remaining in the 2025 Tour de France, Florian Lipowitz has virtually locked in third place overall and the white jersey. The young German was once again the strongest of the GC hopefuls behind Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, distancing Oscar Onley on Stage 19 and cementing his place on the podium. After weeks of racing, Lipowitz remains steady and focused, but clearly moved by what he’s achieved.

"I knew after yesterday's stage that Oscar [Onley] was very strong," said Lipowitz. "I had to keep his wheel and that's what I managed to do well today. On the last climb, you never know exactly how your legs are."

"But after 5 or 6 kilometers, I still felt good. And when I saw him distanced, I tried to give everything until the end. It's incredible to be here with two days to go, but I know we'll have another very difficult day, with everyone wanting to leave in the breakaway. I still have to stay very focused. But I see so many people cheering me on, my name written on the road... all this gives me chills."

Lipowitz’s rise has been consistent, he also finished third at the Critérium du Dauphiné in June, but his performance in this Tour marks a major breakthrough on cycling’s biggest stage. Holding his own in the high mountains alongside Pogacar and Vingegaard, Lipowitz has proved he's not just a talent for the future, but already one of the sport’s elite.