Is Lipowitz going to Lidl - Trek?: US team interested in German cycling star

It has been official since the beginning of August: Remco Evenepoel will drive for Red Bull from the coming season. Florian Lipowitz rode onto the Tour podium this year and impressed across the board. However, discussions with Evenepoel were already in full swing at the time. Shortly after the official announcement of the change after the Readers' opinion sought - The picture was clear: the vast majority were not entirely convinced by the Belgian's transfer.

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Unfavourable timing

Florian Lipowitz made his breakthrough at the highest level in the 2025 season. The German finished second in Paris-Nice, fourth in the Tour of the Basque Country and third in the Critérium du Dauphiné. His greatest success, however, came at the Tour de France, where he developed into one of the best climbers in the race, winning the junior classification and finishing third overall. Only the two dominators Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard were better than the German. The German's racing team must have watched this development with one eye crying and one eye laughing. Third place at the Tour of France was certainly a reason to celebrate. However, the breakthrough came at a time when the team had already focussed on signing Evenepoel and wanted to plan for the future with the Belgian as an overall class rider. The team's ranking had already been the subject of much criticism.

Criticism of the hierarchy

The question of the captain at Red Bull - BORA -hansgrohe was reignited at the latest when the transfer was announced. However, the issue had already caused quite a stir at the Tour de France. The team captain Primož Roglič, who had been announced by the team, already lost valuable seconds during the 1st stage and fell further behind in the course of the Tour. Florian Lipowitz looked fresher and stronger than his Slovenian team-mate - and yet he had to help out. From a German perspective, memories quickly came flooding back... back then, Jan Ullrich had to subordinate himself to his captain Bjarne Riis at Team Telekom, later winning the Tour himself.

Meanwhile, Team Red Bull continued to maintain the division of roles between its two top riders. After the first stages, Lipowitz was ahead of team captain Roglič, but was very clear in the interview: "I would describe myself as a noble helper. I think the division of roles is very clear". In the days that followed, it became increasingly clear that Lipowitz was the stronger rider, which is why the team switched to a double lead-out tactic. As a result, the German didn't get much help in the mountains, in particular he lacked a helper with good climbing ability.

Lipowitz's departure could ease the power struggle

A move for Florian Lipowitz could make sense for everyone involved. In addition to Primož Roglič and Remco Evenepoel, Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe has a number of other top riders with ambitions for the overall classification of a stage race. These include Giulio Pellizzari, Jai Hindley, Dani Martinez and Aleksandr Vlasov, all of whom could take on a leading role. Deciding who will take the lead in which race is already proving to be a complicated task, which could cause frustration for some of the protagonists. With the signing of Remco Evenepoel, the team has clearly defined its focus for the Tour de France, which reduces Lipowitz's chances of a clear captain's role in the Tour of France. A switch to Lidl-Trek, on the other hand, could guarantee him a clear leadership position at the Grand Tours. For Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, the departure of a top rider would simultaneously ease the internal competition situation and create more clarity in the team hierarchy.

The hook

Sources close to the driver report that Lipowitz is still tied to his current team until the end of 2026. However, this should not be too much of a problem, as an agreement could be reached despite the current contract, which would also be advantageous for the German's current racing team.

So everything is perfect? Not quite. If it weren't for the new signing Juan Ayuso, who will be riding for Lidl-Trek in the coming season due to the power struggle at UAE Team Emirates - XRG. Juan Ayuso is unlikely to be satisfied with the transfer of Florian Lipowitz, especially as he only switched from the power struggle for the captain's role. Third place at the Tour should clearly speak in favour of the German.

Conclusion on the change rumour

The Lidl-Trek team will ride under a German licence from 2026 and could sign one of the best German cyclists at the moment in Lipowitz. The team's interest in the Tour bronze medallist is therefore quite understandable. At the same time, a move by the German to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe could provide some relief for the German team. It remains to be seen whether the teams can come to an agreement. One thing is already certain: with the sole captaincy, Lipowitz could launch a new attack on the overall victory at the Tour of France in 2026.