"I know that I can handle the pressures of GC racing" - Florian Lipowitz has big ambitions for the future

24-year-old Florian Lipowitz is one of those riders just on the cusp of becoming a real standout in the peloton. After finishing 2nd overall at Paris-Nice 2025, is the time right for the German to really take the next step and content for victory in the biggest races on a consistent basis?

"Coming into the race, I had higher expectations of myself than I did last year, but I never imagined standing on the final podium," reflects Lipowitz in conversation with his Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team's official website, now the dust has settled on his impressive showing in France last week. "My goal was to fight for a top ten in GC, and I was focused on taking things day by day. But as the race went on, I kept feeling better, and the team did an incredible job supporting me, both on and off the road. So to finish second overall is something really special."

"I knew the final weekend would be really tough, but after Saturday’s stage, I realised I had the legs to stay with the best," continues the German. "That’s when I thought, okay, if I can do the same tomorrow, I can finish on the podium. Sunday was full gas racing, but I managed to hold on, and when I crossed the line in Nice, it was pure relief."

This is by no means the first indicator of just how good Lipowitz can be, but as mentions, doing so in such an all-star field in such a prestigious race as Paris-Nice showcases nothing but positivity for the future. "It was a tough week for everyone. The wind, the rain, the cold… it was brutal at times. But I think that’s where mentality plays a big role. Staying focused, making the right decisions in the crosswinds, and keeping the body fuelled well in those conditions are just as important as having good legs," he explains. "The team kept me in the right places when it mattered, and that made a huge difference."

"I’ve confirmed here that I can consistently perform at this level, that my performances last year weren’t only one-off. It gives me a lot of confidence heading into the next races for sure," Lipowitz concludes with optimism. "I know that I can handle the pressures of GC racing. I learned that I can manage it and still perform, both physically and psychologically. It’s not just about the legs - it’s about managing everything around it, staying calm, and performing when it counts. This week tested everyone in the peloton quite a lot, and I’m really happy with how I handled it."