ANALYSIS | 5 reasons why Florian Lipowitz will shine at the next Grand Tour

Florian Lipowitz rode his way into the hearts of many cycling fans at the Tour de France 2025. With his bold riding style, obvious passion for the sport and impressive mountain form, he has indicated that he can play more than just a supporting role in the future. Despite some weaknesses, the young German appears to be a diamond in the rough - with the potential to compete for overall victory in the next Tour.

Florian Lipowitz is still young and inexperienced. But that is precisely what makes him so exciting: he has already shown impressive performances, even though he lacks important racing instincts and experience. Anyone who watches him realizes that there is much more to him.

His brother once revealed that Lipowitz prefers to ride his bike for two days after a victory, simply to enjoy the ride. This passion for cycling is the basis for long-term success - and it cannot be trained.

Lipowitz often keeps his hands on top of the handlebars - a position that is considered aerodynamically unfavourable. He obviously still lacks the coaching to optimize such technical details - a small trick that can have a big impact specially outside the mountains.

In the professional peloton, efficiency is everything - even when reaching for a water bottle. While other riders are briefly pushed off by the support staff, Lipowitz takes his bottles almost politely. This seems likeable, but costs valuable energy, especially in long mountain stages. The same applies here: technique can be learned.

Lipowitz is a weak downhill rider - not out of fear, but due to a lack of racing experience. He has completed many kilometers as a hobby rider in road traffic, but that is no substitute for speed and line choice on closed race tracks. On the descents, he grabs the handlebars too early, loses time - and then has to make up for it on the mountain. Fortunately, this is precisely his greatest strength.

To ensure that Florian Lipowitz becomes a genuine candidate for overall victory in upcoming tours, the responsibility now lies with the team. Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe has the know-how and the structures to specifically shape this exceptional talent. Lipowitz is a strong climber with an enormous physical engine - he has proven this several times. Combined with his time-trial strength, he has the profile of a true Grand Tour rider.

The weaknesses identified are not fundamental problems, but details - technical elements that can be improved quickly with the right support. An experienced coach, a few targeted training camps, more race kilometers in a leading position: all this can make the decisive difference.

Because one thing is clear: Florian Lipowitz is a natural talent in the purest sense of the word. If he keeps up his learning curve, Germany could soon be celebrating its next Grand Tour winner - and not just in five years' time.