Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz have moved to resolve internal tensions within the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team following a heated public disagreement during the sixth stage of the Tour de France. Team manager Ralph Denk confirmed that the riders have addressed the incident and characterized the situation as resolved, citing a combination of race-day fatigue and a language barrier as contributing factors to the friction.
Internal Resolution Following Stage Six Tensions
The conflict emerged after the grueling mountain finish in Gavarnie-Gédre, where Evenepoel expressed frustration regarding a perceived lack of support from Florian Lipowitz. According to reports from the team, the two riders spent time together following the stage to clear the air. Team manager Ralph Denk, speaking via the “Inside Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe” podcast, emphasized that the team environment remains stable and that the incident was amplified beyond its actual significance.
“The two guys have talked about it. There is nothing big there now,” Denk stated. He noted that the riders had eaten together and that the team has moved past the event, which he attributed to the high-pressure environment of a demanding mountain stage spanning over 180 kilometers.
The Source of the Disagreement
The tension originated during the pursuit phase of the sixth stage, following the descent from the Tourmalet. Evenepoel was part of an eight-rider chase group attempting to close the gap on Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. Evenepoel later criticized the lack of collaborative effort within the group, specifically noting that he had requested a “leadout” from Lipowitz to contest bonus seconds at the finish line.
Evenepoel’s frustration was rooted in a previous experience during the Volta a Catalunya, where he had performed extensive work for his teammate. In the aftermath of the stage, the Belgian rider stated that the lack of reciprocated effort necessitated a thorough internal discussion. Conversely, Lipowitz maintained a more optimistic outlook immediately following the race, suggesting that the partnership remained functional and that the team could look forward with confidence.
Standing in the General Classification
Despite the tactical disagreement, both riders remain well-positioned in the overall standings. As of the most recent stage results, Evenepoel sits in fourth place, 3:30 minutes behind Tadej Pogačar. Lipowitz currently holds seventh place, trailing the leader by four minutes. With both riders within the top ten, the team retains a viable path toward a podium finish, provided they can maintain operational cohesion in the high mountains.
Upcoming Challenges in the Mountains
The dynamic between the two riders will face further scrutiny as the race progresses into more challenging terrain. While the immediate days following the incident feature less demanding profiles, the Tour de France returns to the mountains on July 14, coinciding with the French National Day. The stage between Aurillac and Le Lioran presents a significant test, featuring 3,800 meters of elevation gain and two Category 1 climbs.
This stage will serve as a definitive checkpoint for the team’s internal strategy. Observers will be watching to see how the partnership functions when the race intensity reaches its peak, particularly given the observation at the Tourmalet where Lipowitz initially distanced his teammate before Evenepoel closed the gap during the descent. The ability of the two riders to align their tactical objectives will be essential as they navigate the remainder of the Tour.
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