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

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