Remco Evenepoel's victory in the fifteenth stage of the 2026 Tour de France has not only revived the Belgian champion's ambitions in the general classification, but has also clarified the hierarchy within Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe. Florian Lipowitz, fifth in the general classification 6'48" behind Yellow Jersey holder Tadej Pogacar and 1'48" behind his teammate, confirmed during the rest day press conference that, at least at this stage of the race, he will stand alongside Evenepoel in the fight for the final podium.

The German explained how the Belgian's extraordinary performance on Plateau de Solaison has dispelled any doubt about the team leader's role. Before discussing Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe's ambitions, Lipowitz paid tribute to Jonas Vingegaard, forced to withdraw after the crash that cost him a fractured collarbone.

"First of all, it's a real shame that he's out. The Tour will certainly be different without him in the peloton. I hope he recovers soon. In the end, it won't change too much the way we race as a team".

The Dane's absence inevitably shifts the balance of the race, but according to the German it won't change the strategy of the German team, now focused on securing second place with Evenepoel.

Lipowitz didn't hide his admiration for what his teammate showed on the Plateau de Solaison stage, where Evenepoel beat Tadej Pogacar and Isaac Del Toro in a three-way sprint.

"He put on a truly impressive performance and we were delighted to win a stage. I know, and the whole team knew, that he's in excellent form. There were no doubts. I think it was the best way to approach the second rest day".

A victory that, beyond the prestige, has given even more confidence to the entire group heading into the final week. In the first two weeks, some had the impression that Lipowitz was even more brilliant than his captain. The German, however, explained how Sunday's long climb has definitively clarified the balance of power.

"I believe yesterday was the first real test, especially on long climbs. It was clear that my legs weren't yet at peak form to stay at the front of the group. In previous stages it would have made little difference, also thanks to the descents, but everything would have come back together anyway. Yesterday, however, it became clear what level we're at. It's a good starting point for planning the final week".

The central theme of the press conference was inevitably the distribution of roles within Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe. Lipowitz left no room for interpretation. "In the team we will discuss how to approach the final week. But the main objective remains to have one of us on the podium and, especially with tomorrow's time trial, Remco has the best chances of achieving it".

And even more explicitly: "We haven't yet discussed specific roles and responsibilities. We'll do that tonight. But considering yesterday's result and performance, and today's, Remco is the priority. I'll race with Remco as long as possible to help him".

A statement that certifies full support for the Olympic champion, now called upon to defend the second place secured after Vingegaard's withdrawal.

Lipowitz nonetheless doesn't give up his personal ambitions, while putting them at the service of the team.

"First of all, the goal is to get one of us on the podium. Isaac Del Toro and Paul Seixas were also incredibly strong yesterday, and I believe I was the one who suffered the most. So the goal is definitely to finish second with Remco. It will be an extremely tough final week, but we have a strong team here and, of course, I'll help him too".

Evenepoel, for his part, included Lipowitz among the main podium contenders. A mark of esteem that the German accepted with serenity.

"We're teammates, we support each other and fight together. For the podium, Seixas, Del Toro and also Ayuso will certainly be the main rivals".

According to the German, the only true dominator of the Tour remains Tadej Pogacar. "Given how Pogacar raced on Sunday, they're definitely aiming to have two riders on the podium in Paris. So Pogacar can certainly influence the fight for the podium".

But when asked if the Slovenian can still make some decisive mistakes, the answer is clear. "The gap to Pogacar is already enormous. If he gets through without crashes and stays healthy, there's no way to overtake him".

Lipowitz is convinced he's expressing the best cycling of his career. "My performance so far is slightly better than last year. The level of the entire group has increased, but I'm happy with my performance so far. However, comparisons are difficult, especially considering the very tough start in Barcelona and all the hot days. But yesterday I gave my all in a 30-minute effort, so I'm quite satisfied".

The time trial will be another test. "Actually, I do quite well in time trials. But against specialists you don't have many chances. I'll give my all and try to lose as little time as possible. I hope the rest day helps me recover, and then I'll have no choice but to give my best".

And even if the final result should be fifth place, the German wouldn't speak of disappointment.

"Even if it's not enough for the podium, a fifth place is still a good result. I'm overall satisfied. The Tour is always a special race. You prepare in a particular way, you hope to be in form and, in the end, you also need a bit of luck to get on the podium. I'm happy with how it's gone and, even if it hadn't been enough for the podium, I could be satisfied with my performance".

Before that, however, there will be the time trial. Then will come the big mountains of the final week, with two stages featuring Alpe d'Huez as the protagonist.

"Friday and Saturday should be ideal days for me. I can't wait to tackle those two days. But first we need to get through the time trial and see where we stand. Then Wednesday there will be a slightly quieter day, and finally lots of mountains".

For Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe the plan now appears defined. Evenepoel is the man to count on for second place overall, while Lipowitz will be called upon to play a fundamental role in the mountains of the final week. A choice shared by the entire team, born not from imposed hierarchies, but from the show of strength offered by the Belgian champion on Plateau de Solaison, where he proved he could keep pace even with Tadej Pogacar on the Tour's hardest climbs.