The interview was conducted by Tom Mustroph
TOUR: We are here in Pau at the final time trial of the Tour de France Femmes. Many people are standing along the route and celebrating the women who are finishing this Tour. What were your thoughts and feelings as you crossed the finish line?
Liane Lippert: Oh, there was just relief. I'm glad the tour is over now.
TOUR: How much does a race like the Tour change women's cycling as a whole?
Liane Lippert: Very. The attention is simply greater, the media interest, the people cheering us on from the street. That's a different dimension. I also noticed how many messages I got after my stage win and how many people who otherwise don't have much to do with cycling noticed it. That shows just how big it is. And the standard in the peloton has also risen thanks to the races we now have.
TOUR: Does your stage win, achieved in this peloton with a higher level, mean the longed-for breakthrough into the world elite for you?
Liane Lippert: It was amazing that I was able to win a stage like that. Before that, I was also among the world leaders and was always present. But I had to wait a long time for a victory like this. Of course I won the German Championships. But this has a completely different quality. And I now know that I can win or at least always be in contention for victory. That's just a good feeling.
TOUR: Would you have preferred to win one of the classic one-day races in the spring instead of this stage?
Liane Lippert: I would say that both are very important. A classic can follow next.
TOUR: It was also the farewell tour for your team-mate and captain Annemiek van Vleuten. Are you very sad that it didn't work out with the overall victory?
Liane Lippert: Yes, of course. After all, we came here with the big goal of defending the title with Annemiek. But we're still all very proud of her. Also how she fought on the Tourmalet. She never gives up.
TOUR: What was your own experience of the Tourmalet stage?
Liane Lippert: Unfortunately, I crashed early on that day and bruised my hip and knee. That's why it wasn't so pleasant on the bike. I did what I could on the first climb, but that was all I could manage.
TOUR: Does that mean you would have stayed with the favourites on the mountain for longer without this crash?
Liane Lippert: Yes, that was exactly the goal. And my team would have allowed me to ride myself to the overall classification if I managed that. But after the crash I realised that I couldn't pedal properly with my knee. That's why I accelerated for a minute on the penultimate climb, the Col d'Aspin, and Annemiek attacked.
TOUR: Next year, after Annemiek van Vleuten ends her career, you will take over the leading role at Movistar. How will you deal with this?
Liane Lippert: I will generally have more freedom to ride for myself in the overall classification in stage races. Let's see how I develop there. I'll definitely get plenty of opportunities.
TOUR: In which areas do you want to improve the most, what do you want to work on?
Liane Lippert: I don't want to lose my sprightliness. I want to focus on races like the Amstel Gold Race and Fleche Wallonne. And I want to win a stage again in the tours or the Tour and also defend the championship.
TOUR: What have you learnt from your year at Movistar with Annemiek van Vleuten?
Liane Lippert: It was just great. Of course, that also took some of the pressure off me. And I think we complemented each other quite well. I'm more punchy and she's stronger in the long mountains. The great thing is that she is very happy to pass on her knowledge. And you can look at Annemiek and pick up a few things. But I would also say that we are more different in terms of rider type and that I would like to stay the way I am.
TOUR: It is said that van Vleuten is a real training monster, constantly at altitude and with enormous training volumes. Is that true? And is it worth emulating?
Liane Lippert: I think there is only one person in the world whose body can cope with these volumes. It wouldn't make sense for me now. If I were to train that much all at once, it would be counterproductive and I'm already doing enough. The training is now so well planned that I fully trust the trainers and their advice on how we should do it.
TOUR: German women's cycling presented itself superbly, with two stage wins by you and Ricarda Bauernfeind. Your conclusion?
Liane Lippert: Super, of course! I was very happy for Ricarda. I also think all the Germans who competed here showed something. They were in the leading group, had a result like Clara Koppenburg (15th overall) or Kathrin Hammes (9th on stage 4). And then there's Antonia Niedermaier, who wasn't here at the Tour, but won a stage at the Giro.
TOUR: So the future looks good?
Liane Lippert: In any case.
