Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe DS unexpectedly leaves team in the middle of a season

Next to manager Ralph Denk, sports director Rolf Aldag has been a key figure in Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe's transformation from a mid-of-the-pack team in 2022 into one of the 5 world's biggest teams with two Grand Tour podiums within last 12 months. But after four seasons, Aldag and team will each head their own direction as Aldag departs from the German team after a mutual agreement.

"Rolf took on responsibility during a time of transition and helped drive our team forward both athletically and structurally. We are deeply grateful for his dedication. He has left a lasting impact – both in sporting terms and on a personal level," Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe CEO Ralph Denk said in a press release about the time Aldag spent with the German formation.

"This chapter ends now that we have achieved our objectives, but the path we walked together has left its mark. Rolf was instrumental in shaping our team – it was a period defined by determination and a deep passion for cycling."

Aldag joined BORA - hansgrohe in 2022, a pivotal year in the history of the team as it was a first season without attention centered around three-time world champion, Peter Sagan. Suddenly, all eyes were on the high mountains: "We look back on these years with great respect and gratitude and sincerely wish Rolf all the best in whatever lies ahead. For the next chapter of our story, we have jointly decided to bring in fresh impetus and take a new direction."

And this year, the team has finally succeeded to break onto a Tour podium. On top of everything, with a German rider Florian Lipowitz. With a Grand Tour victory from last year thanks to Primoz Roglic's Vuelta, most of the boxes have been ticked off and Aldag will seek a new adventure.

"With the White Jersey win and podium placement by Florian Lipowitz at this year’s Tour de France, we have reached the goals we set four years ago. Accordingly, we have jointly decided that now is the right time for both parties to pursue new challenges," Aldag said in the same communication.

"My time at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe has been deeply formative, both personally and professionally. Together, we successfully navigated the complex transition from a sprint-focused team to one built around stage racing, and celebrated major victories – always with a clear vision in mind."

"I am proud of what we achieved as a team. Now is the moment to take a new path. I wish the team continued success and all the best for the future," he concludes. The next steps of the 56-year-old are yet to be revealed, but we should certainly see Aldag around in the peloton again in seasons to come.