In the final edition covering the 2025 Tour, Denk reports on the last stage in Paris. “The images were spectacular, no doubt about that. Still, I’m more of a fan of the traditional Paris finish – and many riders told me the same,” says the 51-year-old. The team’s mood at the closing celebration was cheerful, as Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe looks back on a successful Tour de France. “It was an incredibly tough time. The Tour keeps growing, which increases the pressure and makes the racing even faster,” Denk analyzes. In the middle section, Denk reflects on the 2025 Tour de France, focusing on Lipowitz, the overall team performance, and the winner, Tadej Pogacar. “We’ve never made it to the podium in Paris before. This Tour is a true milestone for us,” says Denk. The final part addresses Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe’s season plans. “Our Vuelta roster isn’t finalized yet, and there are still some important races to come. But Lipowitz won’t ride the Spanish Grand Tour,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Jan De Meuleneir

In the current issue, Denk reports on stage 20 of the 2025 Tour de France, where the team did everything it could to secure Florian Lipowitz’s third place. “Today was pure stress again,” says Denk, who already “had a bad feeling” at the start. “Many riders were well warmed up to launch early attacks, so we saw lots of breakaway groups, and it turned into a really tough race — thankfully, we came through it well.” The background section takes a closer look at the state of German cycling. Denk explains how Germany compares to other nations, how young talent is developing, and how the German element is integrated into his own team. This year, the final stage into Paris won’t be one for the pure sprinters. The new route is challenging: first, the peloton completes four traditional laps on the Champs-Élysées, then the race continues on a 16-kilometer circuit featuring three climbs up Montmartre — each classified as a mountain point. “Paris could turn into carnage — or everyone might just roll over that final climb together. We have to be ready for anything,” says Denk. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. photo: IMAGO/Vincent Kalut

In the current issue, Denk reports on stage 19 of the 2025 Tour de France, where Florian Lipowitz secured a podium finish in the mountains. “It was very emotional for the whole team,” says Denk, referring to the final two kilometers. “He has nerves of steel and did a fantastic job.” Stage 20 returns to hilly terrain. Over the 184 kilometers to Pontarlier, there shouldn’t be major changes in the general classification — or will there be? “It was important to extend the lead, especially in light of the altered stage route in Paris. Tomorrow I expect a breakaway group of 5 to 10 riders fighting for the stage win,” says Denk. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. photo: IMAGO/JASPER JACOBS

In the latest episode, Denk talks about Stage 18 of the 2025 Tour de France. “The result doesn’t look good on paper. On the other hand, we could have even won the stage today. We want to offer exciting cycling – and we did that today,” says the 51-year-old. In the general classification, Lipowitz now holds only a 22-second lead over Oscar Onley, raising questions about Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe’s tactics. “We underestimated the race situation a bit – things didn’t go ideally. But that’s cycling; you can’t plan everything. Had we won, we would’ve been heroes. Now the result isn’t great,” Denk analyzes. He explicitly defends his protégé Lipowitz: “We took a risk, and it could have worked. Florian felt good and went for it. If you don’t try, you can’t win. So no blame on him,” the team manager adds. In the final part, the focus shifts to Friday’s Stage 19. Right after the queen stage, the second part of the spectacular climbing show in the Alps is on the schedule. “We don’t have a concrete plan yet, but I can imagine we’ll take a more conservative approach and keep a close eye on Onley,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Luca Bettini

In the latest edition, Denk reflects on Stage 17 of the 2025 Tour de France. “The stage win was within reach today. Jordi waited just a tick too long in the final sprint, the top speed was there. He’s really frustrated that it didn’t work out,” said the 51-year-old. Before the stage, Danny van Poppel left the race as he became a father for the first time. “Danny witnessed the birth via FaceTime last night. We discussed it and decided he should be with his family,” Denk explains. Behind the scenes, the focus is on youth development. Denk outlines how talent development is structured at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, how they work with young athletes, and how they aim to inspire the younger generation to take up cycling. The final part of the report looks ahead to Stage 18, which takes place on Thursday. The queen stage starts in Vif and covers 171.5 kilometers and 5,450 meters of elevation gain, finishing at the ski resort of Courchevel. The final climb, the Col de la Loze, is over 26 kilometers long with an average gradient of 6.5 percent. In total, the riders will face three climbs of the highest category, including the summit finish. “I expect tomorrow’s stage to be decided by the group of favorites. Our strategy is clear — we want to defend our positions in the general classification,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Jan De Meuleneir

In the latest episode, Denk reflects on Stage 16 of the 2025 Tour de France. “We’re very satisfied – the whole team did a great job today,” says the 51-year-old. The team manager had special praise for Primoz Roglic. “Today clearly showed the kind of class Primoz still has, even at 36. He keeps getting better – not everyone can say that,” Denk analyzes. In the background segment, he answers various listener questions about equipment, technology, and Denk’s role during the race. The final part looks ahead to Stage 17, which takes place on Wednesday. The 160.4 km stage from Bollène to Valence includes only two small category 4 climbs, and all signs point to a mass sprint. “If the wind doesn’t play a major role, I’m expecting a sprint finish. The sprinters don’t have many chances left,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Fotoreporter Sirotti Stefano

In the current edition, Denk reports on Stage 15 of the 2025 Tour de France, where the breakaway riders got their chance. "It was a stage where you can give something back to the domestiques. We gave Alexander Vlasov the green light to go with the break," says Denk. In the end, the Russian rider finished sixth. However, it took a long time before a breakaway group was finally established. "It was an absolute chaos stage—lots of attacks and unrest in the peloton," Denk adds. In the background, the team manager also reflects on a very successful second week, during which Florian Lipowitz climbed from eighth place to the virtual podium. He then looks ahead and discusses what it will take to defend that position. After the rest day, one of the Tour’s legendary climbs awaits the riders. On Tuesday, after a long, flat approach, they will take on Mount Ventoux. "I think Pogacar will try to win there. Who knows when the mountain will be included in the Tour de France again. For us, the goal is to hang on as long as possible," says Denk. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Jan De Meuleneir

In the latest episode, Denk reports on Stage 14 of the 2025 Tour de France and addresses the withdrawal of superstar Remco Evenepoel. “Quitting the Tour de France is painful—you prepare for so long and then you're out. But it's part of it,” says Ralph Denk. He was pleased with Florian Lipowitz’s performance. “He had no instructions to go with it—but he handled it really well,” notes the team manager about the late-stage attack. The background topic focuses on the business side of cycling: how does the rider market work? Are cyclists a better investment? And what kind of budget do teams like Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe have? After the high-mountain stages, breakaway specialists will see their chance on Stage 15 on Sunday. Before the rest day, there are 169.3 km from Muret to the southern French city of Carcassonne. “We want to protect Primoz and Florian and also start looking ahead to the rest day,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/POOL LUCA BETTINI

In the latest episode, Denk reports on the thirteenth stage of the 2025 Tour de France. After the mountain time trial, the team manager was pleased. “That was outstanding from Primoz Roglic, especially after he hasn’t always been treated fairly in the media. But Florian did very well too.” The German rising star is just six seconds shy of the podium, which still features Remco Evenepoel in third. “He didn’t look fresh,” Denk remarks about the Belgian time trial specialist. In the background segment, Denk takes a look at German Tour hope Florian Lipowitz. He discusses his unusual path into cycling, his first impression, and his incredible development. “We want to — and will — plan long-term with him,” says Denk. The final part previews the last Pyrenees spectacular of this year’s Tour. A long-unused finish awaits the riders. After 36 years, the tricky summit arrival at Luchon–Superbagnères returns on Stage 14. The riders must conquer 4,950 m of climbing over a distance of 182.6 km from Pau to the ski resort. “We hope to feel good again. Then it will be a cycling celebration,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/JASPER JACOBS

In the latest episode, Denk reports on the twelfth stage of the 2025 Tour de France. “We placed Florian and Lipowitz in the second group, and that was the foundation. Florian then proved to be the strongest rider and was told he could ride for it,” says the 51‑year‑old. Despite Lipowitz’s strong performance—he’s fourth in the GC and clearly ahead of Roglic—Denk is not committing to a captain choice. “Tomorrow comes the mountain time trial; that’s an important indicator. We’ll look at that afterward. There is no need for discussion today,” Denk analyzes. The background segment covers a year of Red Bull–BORA‑hansgrohe. Denk explains how Red Bull’s involvement has changed things, reviews the first-year results, and outlines future plans. In the final part, the preview is on Stage 13, to be raced on Friday. The short but extremely tough mountain time trial—10.9 km from Loudenvielle up to the small airstrip near Peyragudes—is made for pure climbing specialists. “We have a clear plan on which bike we’ll use tomorrow. But I’m not revealing that yet. Tomorrow demands good form and lightness. Both apply to Florian,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/DAVID PINTENS

In the latest edition, Denk reports on the eleventh stage of the 2025 Tour de France. "Florian Lipowitz did a great job again today, and Primoz Roglic was well-positioned on the final climb. The team handled it excellently," said the 51-year-old. Instead of a relaxed roll towards the Pyrenees, it was another very eventful stage. "The Tour de France is becoming increasingly aggressive. The stages are noticeably shorter compared to the past. That increases the speed and intensity. It's not always enjoyable for the riders, but they have to endure it," Denk analyzes. That the peloton waited after Tadej Pogacar’s crash is explained by an unwritten rule in cycling. "If a general classification contender crashes or has a mechanical issue, the group usually waits. The riders do this intuitively." The final part focuses on Stage 12, which will take place on Thursday. The Tour has reached the Pyrenees, and the first major mountain stage is ahead. 180 kilometers will be ridden from Auch to Hautacam. "I firmly believe Pogacar’s team won’t let a breakaway group get through. The best of the best will fight for the win," Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/POOL LUCA BETTINI

In the latest episode, Denk talks about Stage 10 of the 2025 Tour de France. “The performance of Florian and Primoz was very encouraging. We managed to keep the gap to the podium in check and can head into the rest day feeling optimistic,” says the 51-year-old. The team manager also puts the emerging criticism of designated climbing domestique Aleksander Vlasov into perspective. “You shouldn’t read too much into today’s eight-minute loss. He rode well for a long time. He wants it, but you can’t force the body,” Denk analyzes. The background topic offers a look back at the first half of the Tour and a preview of the days to come. The final part covers Stage 11, which will be held on Wednesday. Before heading into the Pyrenees on Thursday, there’s a flat stage of 156 kilometers around Toulouse. “There are some short, sharp climbs in the second half of the race. I don’t think much will happen in the overall standings, but otherwise it’s wide open,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Fotoreporter Sirotti Stefano

In the latest episode, Denk talks about the ninth stage of the 2025 Tour de France. “The team did a good job today. When the wind picked up, our leaders Primoz Roglic and Florian Lipowitz were perfectly protected,” says the 51-year-old. Looking ahead to the summit finish on Monday, Denk puts his GC leaders on the same level. “Both will get our full support. They’re only a few seconds apart and therefore on equal footing. After that, it’s up to their legs to decide,” Denk analyzes. The background topic focuses on the rumors about a possible transfer of double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. “All 18 World Tour managers want Evenepoel—he’s an exceptional rider. But he’s under contract with his team. If he wants to leave, he has to speak to his team and find a solution first. Only then can we step in,” explains Denk. The final section previews the tenth stage, which will be held on Monday. It’s the first summit finish of the race. “I expect a strong breakaway group. If Pogacar and his team let them go, they can win. We will focus clearly on supporting our leaders,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/DAVID PINTENS

In the latest episode, Denk talks about the eighth stage of the 2025 Tour de France. “Our sprinter Jordi Meeus is struggling with the massive consequences of his crash. With that kind of pain and such a torn-up shoulder, he can’t win races, but we’re hoping for his ability to recover,” says the 51-year-old. He is critical of the rather uneventful weekend ahead at the Tour. “I don’t quite understand the organizers’ approach either. But as teams, we’re not consulted when the routes are planned,” Denk analyzes. The background topic focuses on various listener questions that came in during the first week. Subjects include the Tour of Austria, the future of the grassroots scene, and technical details. The final section previews the ninth stage, which will be held on Sunday. Riders will cover 174 kilometers from Chinon to Châteauroux, with no categorized climbs. Everything points to another bunch sprint. “If the wind doesn’t unexpectedly play a role, I expect a sprint. Hopefully Jordi has recovered enough to contest it,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Fotoreporter Sirotti Stefano

In the latest episode, Denk talks about the seventh stage of the 2025 Tour de France. The team manager was not satisfied with the finale. “We had no helper left at the end. Florian Lipowitz and Primoz Roglic were on their own. That was really unfortunate for us,” Denk sums up. He specifically called out Alexander Vlasov. “This is actually his kind of terrain. We need to discuss why he couldn’t stay with them,” says the team boss. In the background topic, the team manager talks about the sacrifices professional cyclists have to make. More altitude training camps, detailed meal plans, and more professional preparation. What it means to be a pro today, and whether everything was simpler in the past. On Saturday, the eighth stage of the 112th Tour de France is expected to end in the third bunch sprint. Over 171.4 km from Saint-Méen-Le-Grand to Laval, the riders will face almost entirely flat terrain. “The sprinters are desperate for this kind of opportunity. The teams with strong sprinters will try to control the stage,” says Denk. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Luca Bettini

In the current edition, Denk reports on the sixth, grueling stage of the 2025 Tour de France. "It was war in the field. Many were motivated to make it into the breakaway group. That made it really tough," says the team manager. In the background segment, the team boss talks about athletes switching to cycling. Florian Lipowitz, a former biathlete, and Primoz Roglic, an ex-ski jumper. Why winter sports athletes are so strong on the bike and how easy the transition really is for them. On day seven of the Tour de France, the peloton rolls toward a cycling epicenter – the Mur-de-Bretagne. On the 197-kilometer journey there, three smaller climbs await toward the end. “The day could unfold similarly to today. But it’s the mythical mountain in Brittany, and maybe the favorites will say they want to win there. We want to stay close to them,” says Denk. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Fotoreporter Sirotti Stefano

In the current edition, Denk reports on the fifth stage of the 2025 Tour de France and the outstanding sixth place achieved by Florian Lipowitz. “Chapeau to Florian, he rode really strong,” says the 51-year-old, who now sees all chances open again for his team. “With Primoz and Florian, we now have two riders two and a half minutes behind Tadej Pogacar. Everything is still open for a place on the podium.” The background topic focuses on the special discipline of time trialing. The team manager explains what is tested in advance, what new developments are taking place, and what makes a good time trialist. With six smaller climbs and 3,500 meters of elevation gain, the sixth stage once again looks like a classic profile. The decision could come at the Côte de Vaudry about four kilometers before the finish. “But we’ll have to see what kind of stage it turns out to be. After today’s tough race, a breakaway group might make it through,” Denk says. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Jan De MeuleneirIMAGO/Jan De Meuleneir

In the latest episode, Denk reports on the fourth stage of the 2025 Tour de France. “Primoz was involved in a crash before the finale and had a minor mechanical issue. He had to tackle the tough climbs with a handicap. That was certainly not ideal,” says the 51-year-old. “With Florian, you have to remember that this profile doesn’t really suit him. The time loss in the overall standings is still manageable. But it’s also clear that the favorites will have to lay their cards on the table tomorrow. Including our guys,” Denk analyzes. The background topic looks at a possible Tour de France start in Germany. Denk explains the plans, assesses the chances, and describes the significance for German cycling. In the final part, the focus is on the fifth stage, which will take place on Wednesday. The riders will have to prove themselves against the clock for the first time in this race. “Evenepoel is the top favorite and the man to beat. Our guys need to be in shape and stay focused. Then we’ll see what’s possible,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/Fotoreporter Sirotti Stefano

In the latest episode, Denk reports on the third stage of the 2025 Tour de France. “It wasn’t a good day for us. Jordi Meeus and Laurence Pithie are visibly battered. The skin abrasions are severe. They’re going for X-rays now, then we’ll have more clarity,” says the 51-year-old. “That’s reflected in the mood within the team. It’s dead silent. Everyone hopes Jordi and Laurence can continue tomorrow. They both finished the stage, but the final decision will only come tomorrow,” Denk analyzes. The background topic deals with structural problems that cycling has compared to other sports. The focus is on the number of races, the emphasis on Europe, and marketing. In the final part, the episode looks ahead to the fourth stage, which will be held on Tuesday. “Even though the really big mountains aren’t yet in sight, it’s a very tough stage. Our clear goal is to protect Roglic and Lipowitz,” Denk concludes. The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors. Photo: IMAGO/DAVID PINTENS

In the current edition, Denk reports on the second stage of the 2025 Tour de France. "Yesterday we weren’t satisfied, and we addressed that afterward. Today the team presented itself much better," says the 51-year-old. He is clearly impressed by the performance of German Tour hopeful Lipowitz. "Florian has nothing to lose and could even have won with a better race situation. I'm proud of what he did today," Denk analyzes. The background topic focuses on new rules and measures aimed at improving rider safety. At the center of the debate is the introduction of yellow cards. The final section covers the third stage, which will be held on Monday. "If the weather doesn’t have too much of an impact, I expect a bunch sprint. Hopefully, we’ll be in the mix," Denk concludes. Photo: IMAGO/Fotoreporter Sirotti Stefano