Voigt bets lipowitz for tour de france podium

Florian Lipowitz is poised to challenge for a top-three finish at the 2026 Tour de France, according to veteran cycling analyst Jens Voigt. The German’s performance last year, a strong second place, has fueled Voigt’s confidence, despite the significant time gap – a staggering 11 minutes – separating him from Tadej Pogačar.

A margin that matters, but not a barrier

Voigt, frequently appearing as Eurosport’s expert commentator during the season, highlighted Lipowitz’s tenacity against Pogačar in the Basque Country. “Last year, Florian was one of the few who actually attempted to react to Tadej,” Voigt stated. “He’s within striking distance; it’s a matter of millimeters, really.”

While the gap remains substantial – just 4:24 behind Jonas Vingegaard – Voigt believes Lipowitz possesses the potential to close it. “It’s not about a dramatic shift,” he explained. “It’s about Pogačar not being at his absolute best, perhaps experiencing a challenging day, and Lipowitz capitalizing on a marginal advantage – maybe just two percent.”

Red bull’s double threat

Lipowitz will again share the leadership burden with Remco Evenepoel at Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe. The Belgian, making his Grand Tour debut in France, is expected to excel in the time trials, while Voigt anticipates Evenepoel will adopt a supporting role in the mountainous stages. “He’ll be a little uncomfortable, he’ll be gritting his teeth,” Voigt observed. “But he’s mature and smart enough to understand that he needs to be a helper. It's a necessary sacrifice.”

A legacy of podium finishes

Lipowitz’s potential to secure a repeat top-three placing would mark only the second time a German cyclist has achieved such consecutive success in the Tour de France, following Jan Ulrich’s achievement in 2005. The race begins in Barcelona on July 4th, and the pressure will undoubtedly be immense on the 25-year-old.

Key Stats: Lipowitz’s time gap to Pogacar: 11:04. Time gap to Vingegaard: 4:24.

Source: Eurosport, dpa