Roglič’s Team Director Admits Stage 18 Tactical Blunder in Tour de France: “A Good Fk-Up”

Breaking News: The Bora-Hansgrohe team, led by director sportif Marco Gasparotto, has openly acknowledged a important tactical misstep during a recent Tour de france stage, wich cost rider Primož roglič dearly. Gasparotto, speaking to Velo, admitted to “reviewing all the stages of yesterday 100 times,” concluding that their strategy for stage 18 was flawed.

“Obviously knowing how it went, yes,” Gasparotto stated bluntly when asked if he would change their tactics. “That’s an easy answer… I still do think that normally I play quiet well with tactics. But yesterday was a good fk-up on that, we cannot say no because we lost a lot on the final three kilometers.”

The critical moment, according to Gasparotto, occurred at the summit of the Col de la Madeleine. At that point, Roglič was trailing Briton Onley by 2 minutes and 30 seconds, with another teammate, Lipowitz, a further 35 seconds behind Roglič. The plan was for Roglič, at that time in the leading group, to continue towards the finish with the yellow jersey. This would have potentially moved Roglič up to third overall in the General Classification (GC) and allowed Lipowitz to rejoin Onley, securing fourth place and the white jersey for himself.

Though, a decision to “slow down” by their own riders unexpectedly halted this progress. What truly unraveled the plan, however, was an “unplanned attack” by Lipowitz. In a dramatic turn of events, Lipowitz gained a substantial advantage, putting 2 minutes on the yellow jersey and a staggering 4 minutes and 30 seconds on Onley.

“At one point, we had 3 minutes to yellow and 5 to Onley.What do you do? You cannot stop him,” Gasparotto explained the chaotic aftermath. This unexpected surge meant Onley, despite his efforts to gain ground on the final mountain test, could not keep pace with Lipowitz. The gap between them now stands at 1 minute and 3 seconds.

Evergreen Insight: This candid admission highlights a crucial aspect of professional cycling: the razor-thin margins and the immense pressure to execute perfect strategy.Tactics in cycling are a complex dance of rider capabilities, team support, and the unpredictable nature of racing.While hindsight offers clarity, the dynamic surroundings of the Tour de France demands constant adaptation. This incident serves as a potent reminder that even seasoned directors and talented riders can face unforeseen challenges that alter the course of a race, underscoring the importance of both pre-race planning and on-the-fly decision-making. The emergence of riders like Lipowitz also points to the evolving landscape of the sport, were new talents continually challenge established hierarchies. The question remains whether riders like Pogačar and Vingegaard will face pressure from emerging stars like Lipowitz in the years to come.

What specific aspects of Lipowitz’s radmarathon background provide a competitive advantage in professional road cycling, especially in endurance-based stages?

Lipowitz Earns Top Three Finish at Tour

From Radmarathons to Pro Cycling: lipowitz’s Ascent

Florian Lipowitz, a name increasingly recognized in the professional cycling world, recently secured a remarkable top-three finish at an unnamed Tour event (details pending official release). This achievement marks a meaningful milestone in the career of the athlete who transitioned to competitive cycling relatively recently. Lipowitz’s journey is particularly compelling,originating from success in challenging radmarathons – long-distance cycling events – before joining the UCI Continental Team Tirol KTM Cycling in 2020.

Early career & radmarathon Dominance

Before becoming a professional road cyclist, Lipowitz established himself as a force in the endurance cycling scene.his victories included prestigious events like the Engadin Radmarathon and the Imster Radmarathon. These wins weren’t just about physical endurance; they demonstrated a tactical acumen and resilience crucial for success in any form of cycling.

Engadin Radmarathon: Known for its challenging climbs and stunning Swiss Alpine scenery.

Imster Radmarathon: A demanding course in the Austrian Alps, testing cyclists’ climbing abilities.

His performance in these cycling marathons caught the attention of Tirol KTM Cycling, leading to a performance test and ultimately, a spot on their roster. This transition highlights the growing recognition of the transferable skills between endurance cycling disciplines and professional road racing.

2020 and Beyond: Pro Cycling Advancement

joining Tirol KTM Cycling in 2020 was a pivotal moment. The UCI Continental Team provided Lipowitz with the structure, coaching, and competitive habitat needed to hone his skills. While specific race results from 2020-2024 are currently being compiled, his consistent improvement and dedication have been evident to team staff and cycling analysts.

Key Aspects of His Development

Team Support: Tirol KTM Cycling’s focus on developing young talent has been instrumental.

Training Regimen: A rigorous training schedule incorporating both endurance and high-intensity workouts.

Tactical Refinement: Learning the nuances of team tactics and race strategy.

Endurance Base: His radmarathon background provides a significant advantage in long, demanding stages.

Climbing Prowess: Demonstrated strength on mountainous terrain.

Teamwork: Effective collaboration with teammates to control the race and support his efforts.

Looking Ahead: Lipowitz’s Future in Cycling

This top-three finish is likely to open doors to new opportunities for Lipowitz. Potential avenues include:

1. Increased Race Opportunities: Expect to see him featured in more prominent races on the UCI calendar.
2. Sponsorship Interest: Strong performances attract sponsors, perhaps leading to increased team funding and resources.
3. National Team Consideration: A continued upward trajectory could lead to selection for national team events.

the cycling world will be watching closely to see how Lipowitz builds on this momentum. His unique background and evident talent suggest a bright future in the sport. Keep an eye on archyde.com for further updates on Lipowitz’s career and upcoming races.