"I didn't think Onley and Johannessen would come back" - Florian Lipowitz miscalculates and nearly loses podium
Cycling
Florian Lipowitz had a relatively lonely afternoon on stage 18. The German climber who entered the day as third overall was distanced by first two men on Col de la Madeleine and continued on alone until the subsequent valley. And moments after he caught up, the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe attacked the group. But he must've imagined it differently than to get stuck in a long chasse pattate. Ultimately, he paid for his efforts and saw his advantage over 4th overall Oscar Onley dwindle considerably.
"It was a super tough day. I felt good. When I joined Jonas and Pogi's group in the valley before the final climb, they were looking at each other. I tried to climb at my own pace but I think I just ran out of energy on the last climb."
Even though he was left behind on the Col du Galibier, Oscar Onley managed to get back in and managed his effort better than the German, to make up a lot of time: "I didn't think Onley and Johannessen would come back. They were very strong, so I take my hat off to them."
Now with 22 seconds separing Lipowitz and Onley in the battle for Paris podium, a lot can happen. And while there are three stages left to race, the decision can be made already in the shortened stage 19 with finish on La Plagne. "Tomorrow will be another difficult stage. I hope I can recover. I did my best today. I can't change anything, we'll see tomorrow."
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Although it haven't worked out very well thus far this race, Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe can still lean back on a two-leader strategy since Primoz Roglic remains 5th overall despite his gap having grown on Col de la Loze as he also couldn't keep up with the resurrected Onley. Lipowitz still thinks their numbers can be advantage on Friday. "Primoz also showed he's strong. I think we'll make a plan for tomorrow."
Florian Lipowitz continues to lead the white jersey competiton where Oscar Onley is again his main rival. After another lesser day, third Kevin Vauquelin is already 5 minutes further in that classification.
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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- Love this guy. He is such a pure racer.mij07-11-2026
- Fair enough. Everyone’s entitled to one and I respect yours! Nothing wrong with being a one week and GT guy if that’s his vibemij07-11-2026
- LOL...it's a predetermined finish ! N one is 'clashing' at these exhibition crits!frieders307-11-2026
- Surely the UCI and the race organisers have a responsibility to ensure the best medical care is available to riders when incidents like this happen. All very well pushing for global expansion but not so good if riders lives are put at risk because medical support is not up to scratch.Andy12306-11-2026
- Well it clearly helps that this was Pidcock's own car, no?Occam06-11-2026
- The American performance at the World's road race was a masterclass in cycling tactics. If it wasn't McNulty, it might well have been Jorgensen or Simmons to take off and win in a solo break.Occam06-11-2026
- What a gimmick
Rafionain-Glas06-11-2026 - Thats only cause he rides for UAE. In any other team he would be captain in many races atleast. UAE is just to crazymiguel06-11-2026
- He seems to be the rare athlete whose passion and curiosity about life beyond his sport equals his extraordinary achievements in it. It would be great for him to risk less of that life. He seems very grateful and joyful for what he has already attained.
MarkFour06-11-2026 - As much as I admire and even revere Wout, the less I know about his backside the better.MidnightRider06-11-2026
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