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

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

In the current issue, Denk reports on the first stage of the 2025 Tour de France.

“The start was tough, as we expected. Missing the connection to the lead group wasn’t part of the plan and isn’t ideal,” says the 51-year-old.

“The riders thought they could form an alliance with the sprinters' teams and close the gap. That didn’t happen. It was mainly a matter of concentration, and at that moment, it was a mistake by the team. Sure, the result looks bad, but it’s not the end of the world,” Denk analyzes.

The background topic focuses on rider communication during the race. Denk explains how the radio system works, what is said during the race, and what kinds of misunderstandings can occur.

The final part looks ahead to the second stage, which will be held on Sunday. “It’s going to be a really tough stage, constantly up and down. The route — especially the finish — is made for classics specialists. I hope we’ll be more focused tomorrow,” 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 of Inside Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, the podcast on the 2025 Tour de France, Ralph Denk explains the team’s situation before the start. The team manager talks about the route, his roster, and their goals.

“We divide the race into two phases. The first stages in northern France are dangerous; there could be crashes. The roads are narrow and exposed to wind. There’s also a risk of rain, and all teams are nervous. After that, we head into the high mountains; the Tour is very demanding and well-balanced,” says the 51-year-old.

The episode continues with a brief assessment of the season so far before Denk discusses the line-up and goals for his team.

In the final part, the focus is on the first stage, which will take place on Saturday. “I expect a bunch sprint. It’s not just about the stage win but also the yellow jersey. That makes the first stage so attractive—it’s a unique opportunity for the fast guys,” 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/Oryk HAIST

In cooperation with Germany’s largest professional cycling team, the OVB podcast Inside Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe is entering its sixth season – for the first time available in five different languages.

Every day, there’s a new podcast from the heart of the Tour de France in German, English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Ralph Denk, team manager of Red Bull BORA-hansgrohe, analyzes the day’s stage, offers behind-the-scenes insights into professional cycling, and sets the stage for the next day.

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