"I needed to take a bit of distance": Tony Gallopin makes shock exit from Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe

Tony Gallopin has resigned from his position as sports director at Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe, ending his tenure with the German team less than four months after his arrival. The 37-year-old Frenchman, who joined the squad on October last year as part of a major management restructuring, cited personal reasons for his unexpected and sudden departure.

Gallopin’s hiring was a significant part of the team's preparation for the 2026 season, intended to bring experience and tactical acumen to a squad undergoing a big transformation following the signing of Remco Evenepoel. However, after just a few months in the role, the former Tour de France stage winner has decided to step away from the sport entirely.

"It is a personal decision and absolutely not linked to any problems with Red Bull," Gallopin told L’Équipe, moving quickly to dispel any rumors of internal conflict.

According to Gallopin, the decision comes from a need to decompress after nearly 20 years in the high-pressure environment of professional cycling. After a successful racing career highlighted by a day in the yellow jersey in 2014 and 12 professional wins, he transitioned immediately into management with Lotto after retiring in 2023, spending two seasons in the team car before his move to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe.

"I needed to take a bit of distance from top level sport," he explained. The relentless schedule, constant travel, and performance pressure eventually outweighed the opportunity presented by his new role.

The separation was described as amicable, with Red Bull accepting Gallopin's departure without issue. However, it leaves a void in the team's sporting management structure at a very critical moment, as the season has just started. The team has not yet announced whether they will seek an immediate external replacement or redistribute Gallopin's responsibilities among the existing staff.