Inside Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe – Tour de France Podcast (English Version)

Last chance for the sprinters on the way to Chalon-sur-Saône. This is what team manager Ralph Denk predicted, and that is exactly how it played out. After a flat stage, Tim Merlier won for the third time already following a frantic finale that included a crash. "He is the strongest sprinter this year," Denk acknowledges without envy.

For his team, it was a relatively quiet day. "The mood is good. The boys are feeling good… but there are still plenty of mountains to come, and that’s when things will get really serious," says the team boss.

In the background, Denk talks about the sacrifices in cycling. Last year, for example, Jonas Vingegaard spoke of a potential retirement. Denk puts the challenges facing the pros into perspective and explains the biggest differences compared to earlier times.

From Dole to Belfort, things are getting hillier. The riders face 2,400 meters of elevation gain and 205 kilometers, with a tough climb at the end. "There could be two races: one at the front for the breakaway, and one for the yellow jersey," says Denk. "For us, it's important that Remco and Florian get through safely."

In the latest edition, Denk reflects on Stage 11 of the 2026 Tour de France. “The way the stage unfolded was exactly what I expected, but not the finale. The fact that the sprint teams only managed to organize themselves so late is, for me, a clear indication that everyone is already completely exhausted. Normally, that happens much earlier,” says the 52-year-old.

At Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, all riders reached the finish safely and without any issues. “The medical data also looks good, and all key indicators are in the green,” emphasizes the team manager.

The feature story focuses on Tadej Pogačar’s proposal to revolutionize the racing calendar. Denk is clearly enthusiastic about the idea. “I think it’s great that such an icon is addressing this so openly. If the riders support it, a Tour de France in August is certainly conceivable. The Spring Classics have to stay, but everything else should be open for discussion.”

The final part looks ahead to Stage 12, which will take place on Thursday. The riders will cover 180 kilometers between Magny-Cours and Chalon-sur-Saône. “The sprinters don’t have many opportunities left in this Tour. I think we’ll see another bunch sprint tomorrow,” Denk concludes.

Photo: IMAGO / Photo News

In the latest edition, Denk talks about the tenth stage of the 2026 Tour de France.

"It was a very good day for us, and we are completely satisfied with the team's performance. In my opinion, the chasing group could even have caught Pogacar if they had worked together well," the 52-year-old said.

"Remco invested an enormous amount during the decisive phase and almost paid a high price for it. He struggled on the final climb, which was a consequence of the intense work he had done beforehand. That's what defines him overall. He is not satisfied with finishing second," the team manager emphasized.

Denk has nothing but praise for both team leaders, including Florian Lipowitz. "He's doing an outstanding job. Also, the way he now handles the media is impressive. From a sporting perspective, he has tremendous power and a great deal of talent. Right now we're talking about seconds, but in the third week it will be about minutes. I have a very good feeling about Florian."

The final part focuses on the eleventh stage, which will be raced on Wednesday. The riders will cover 161 kilometers between Vichy and Nevers. "I expect a bunch sprint. The general classification riders will be grateful if it's a bit calmer for them," Denk concluded.

Photo: IMAGO / Sirotti

In the latest edition, Denk reflects on the ninth stage of the 2026 Tour de France.

“We expected a classic breakaway to form, but things turned out differently. We wanted Maxim van Gils to make that break and went all in right from the start. But the breakaway never really came together, so we spent our energy relatively early,” says the 52-year-old.

“The fact that Remco and Florian were isolated was far from ideal. That's something we need to discuss internally as a team. You can't prioritize a potential stage win over the overall classification. It worked out in the end, but it didn't look good. I can understand why the fans were unhappy,” the team manager emphasizes.

The final part looks ahead to Stage 10, which will take place on Tuesday. The riders will cover 166 kilometers from Aurillac to Le Lioran.

“I'm firmly expecting a day for the general classification contenders and a race of attrition. If Remco and Florian are feeling good, we can certainly try something,” Denk concludes.

In the latest edition, Denk reflects on the eighth stage of the 2026 Tour de France. "I expected a larger breakaway group. But in the end, we also lacked the crosswinds needed to make the race more difficult," says the 52-year-old.

"We came through the stage well, and everyone in the team is fit. After eight days, that's by no means something you can take for granted," emphasizes the team manager.

The background feature focuses on the Tour de France's media infrastructure. Denk explains the enormous logistical effort on site, the media work involving the riders, and provides insights into a special project run by his team.

The final section looks ahead to the ninth stage, which will be raced on Sunday. The riders will cover 185 kilometers from Malemort to Ussel. "I'd say there's an 80 percent chance that a breakaway will make it tomorrow. We'll talk to our riders later today. I hope lots of hands go up from riders who want to be part of the breakaway tomorrow," Denk concludes.

In the current edition, Denk reports on the seventh stage of the 2026 Tour de France. "We saw a mass sprint in Bordeaux, which became apparent relatively early on. To be honest, I am a bit surprised by the passivity of some teams. In my opinion, those who don't have a general classification contender or an absolute top sprinter in their ranks should be risking much more," says the 52-year-old.

"When we were starting with a wildcard in our early years, Tour director Christian Prudhomme told me clearly that he wanted to see something from us. He didn't expect victories, but he made it clear that we should help shape the race," Denk reports. Meanwhile, the drama surrounding Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz is water under the bridge. "That's no longer an issue for us. Everyone loves each other and we are focusing on racing," the team manager emphasizes.

The final section is about the eighth stage, which will be ridden on Saturday. A distance of 180 kilometers must be covered between Périgueux and Bergerac. "I’m not sure if we’ll see another mass sprint. I would put the chances at 60 to 40," Denk concludes.

Photo: IMAGO / Photo News

Late at night and after an exhausting day, team manager Ralph Denk analyzes the sixth stage. With over 4,000 meters of climbing, the Col du Tourmalet, and a mountain finish, it was a brutal day at the office. An attack by Tadej Pogačar 42 kilometers before the finish put the top riders under intense pressure. "The pace was fast right from the start, and we made small mistakes," Denk says, referring to an poorly-timed bathroom break by Remco Evenepoel.

For Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, the day ended in the chasing group behind Vingegaard and Pogačar. "We have nothing to reproach ourselves for. We can be satisfied with that," Denk says. "I think Jonas Vingegaard is not much better overall. The battle behind first place is wide open," the team boss emphasizes.

The seventh stage promises to be a bit quieter for the general classification favorites. On the way to Bordeaux, there will be another opportunity for the pure sprinters. "We hope the wind plays along, making it a calmer stage for us," Denk says.

Photo: IMAGO / Photo News

Team Manager Ralph Denk talks on the podcast about the fifth stage of the Tour de France, where everything was set up for a bunch sprint. A short route without much of a profile was under the continuous control of the sprinters' teams. In the end, Olav Kooij from Team Decathlon took the victory. "He is a big name. But I would have also loved to see the German Max Kanter win it on his Tour debut," says Denk.

For Red Bull BORA-hansgrohe, the day went smoothly. "We warned, warned, and warned them. Don't fool around. Because days just like these are exactly when you can lose the Tour," says the team boss. However, his riders stayed focused and made it through the stage without any incidents.

In the background, Denk talks about how the riders prepare for the climate conditions. Heat training in a painter's suit, adaptation in the sauna. The team boss provides exclusive insights into their training.

While the sprinters celebrate, the climbing specialists are already looking ahead to the sixth stage. The Col du Tourmalet is part of a grueling route through the Pyrenees, finishing with a mountain arrival. "Like most teams probably, we will react to whatever Team UAE does, in order to stay in contention for as long as possible," Denk announces.

Photo: IMAGO / Photo News

Giveaway on our Instagram account @inside.tourdefrancepodcast. Here is how you secure your chance to win the jersey:

Team manager Ralph Denk talks on the podcast about the fourth stage of the Tour de France, which was once again dominated by the battle against the weather. This time in the spotlight: Jan Tratnik and Nico Denz, who both made it into the breakaway. "Actually, we wanted to get Maxim Van Gils into the group. But he didn't stand a chance. So we actually had a different goal – but you can't always get what you want," says Denk.

In the end, Denmark's Mads Pedersen secured the victory. Norway's Torstein Traeen takes over the Yellow Jersey from Tadej Pogačar—with the latter's consent. "As predicted, he wanted to give up the jersey. I am very happy that Torstein Traeen got it," says the team boss. Traeen went through a long period of suffering, having battled cancer during his career.

Additionally, there is personnel news. Jai Hindley has officially extended his contract long-term. The 2022 Giro winner will thus remain with the team beyond his fifth season. "He is very important to us from several perspectives. He won the 2022 Giro, which was a milestone for us. He can also ride for us both as a leader and as a domestique," Denk says of the Australian.

Finally, the team boss looks ahead to the fifth day of the Tour. At first glance, the route between Lannemezan and Pau does not hold many challenges for the riders. So, is this the first good opportunity for the sprinters? "The teams that fancy their chances will control the peloton tomorrow. Because the sprinters have really had to fight so far," says Denk.

Photo: IMAGO / Belga

In the latest episode, Denk reflects on Stage 3 of the 2026 Tour de France. “It was incredibly hot today, which made the race extremely tough. The boss, Tadej Pogačar, was determined to win and was simply the strongest rider in the sprint,” says the 52-year-old.

The team manager is particularly impressed by the development of co-leader Florian Lipowitz. “I remember last year when Florian was close to tears at the beginning. Things didn’t go the way he had imagined. This year, he has handled the opening days brilliantly. I spoke to him earlier and he feels really good. That makes us very optimistic about the days ahead,” Denk explains.

Denk also had special praise for key domestique Jai Hindley. “On the final climb, he positioned Florian and Remco in world-class fashion,” he says. Assessing Evenepoel’s performance from a broader perspective, Denk adds: “He wasn’t as punchy as we’ve seen him before. I spoke to him as well. He hasn’t raced for a long time, and that kind of race intensity is difficult to replicate in training. That’s why he couldn’t match Pogačar. But he felt good, and we’re looking ahead with confidence,” concludes the Raubling native.

The final part looks ahead to Stage 4, which will be raced on Tuesday. The riders will cover 182 kilometers from Carcassonne to Foix. “We’ve now had three days in which the strongest riders and teams have been at the front. That’s why I expect a breakaway group tomorrow. We certainly have options, but our plan hasn’t been finalized yet,” Denk concludes.