15th Stage: "A victory for the whole team - it doesn't get any better than this!"

00:00:02: Inside Red Bull Bora Hans Grohe, the OVB online podcast on The Tour de France.

00:00:08: For three weeks we accompany team manager Ralph Denk and biggest and most successful German cycling team through The Tour De France.

00:00:18: Do you have questions for Ralph Denke?

00:00:21: Send them to tobias.roof

00:00:23: at ovbmedia.dema

00:00:26: And now enjoy

00:00:28: this new episode!

00:00:32: Remko Evenepoel wins the fifteenth stage of the Tour de France.

00:00:36: In his furious mountain finish, he beats the dominator Tadeh Pogacar in this sprint and secures a long-awaited victory for Red Bull Borahans Kroje team!

00:00:48: Before that, A crash by Jonas Wingergaard overshadows The Grand Finale – an seemingly harmless right hand turn…the rider who was second overall until then crashes & has to abandon the race injured.

00:01:00: After the scary moment, The Red Bull Borahans growhead team pushes hard into final climb.

00:01:06: When Pogacar takes lead only Isak Del Toro and Remko Evinipol can follow.

00:01:11: in end the belgian has best legs.

00:01:14: We are analyzing this incredible stage And for that we heading back over to France.

00:01:23: I will ask Ralph Denk right away How happy are you with this result and did you expect such a finale today?

00:01:32: Yes, super happy.

00:01:34: It doesn't get any better!

00:01:36: And it's great that Remco wins our first non-time trial stage at the Tour de France.

00:01:43: He has already won stages here, but only in time trials so to speak.

00:01:47: But never a man against men.

00:01:50: and today Man Against Man against Pogacar against the reigning champion of the Tour de France.

00:01:57: And yes it is a big one for us today.

00:02:00: and Moksas all very happy I can imagine you still sound very composed.

00:02:08: We are now analyzing the whole thing step by step, but unfortunately we have to start with what happened before the final climb.

00:02:16: Specifically The scene of the day.

00:02:19: in a right hand turn Jonas Wingergaard falls his front wheel seems to slip away He crashes and it is relatively quickly clear that he has to abandon this tour.

00:02:31: How did you experience and see that scene?

00:02:34: Was it just an unfortunate incident or

00:02:36: what

00:02:37: is your impression, yes.

00:02:38: You can see from the example of the accident actually the current challenges for road cycling as well.

00:02:46: It was a roundabout which ultimately had an exit and entrance on this side.

00:02:53: That's really sharp corner.

00:02:56: What strikes me as a bit strange or makes me wonder is that the team around Jonas Fingigart with Malisse Bike actually entered the roundabout, and more-or less everyone made it through except for Jonas.

00:03:10: but there really aren't any good images.

00:03:13: I tried to take closer look at details myself now And yes, ultimately the result does not change.

00:03:23: He crashed from what it looked like a broken collarbone.

00:03:27: he also got a sling from the paramedics right away.

00:03:31: It was definitely impossible to continue.

00:03:33: of course a bitter loss for the team.

00:03:35: I feel sorry for showing us that he has to say goodbye, this year's Tour de France like this.

00:03:42: But it is also part of our sport and you can see from these examples how quickly they happen.

00:03:48: Yes definitely!

00:03:50: As you correctly said there are no clear images.

00:03:53: Florian Lipovic says he was just able to break behind it and ride around it.

00:03:59: He thinks maybe the corner was a bit underestimated.

00:04:03: It is difficult to really say in the analysis what the final course was, right?

00:04:08: Yes it's very difficult.

00:04:10: Also can you blame your team?

00:04:11: I do not know.

00:04:13: Can you blame the organisers?

00:04:15: well they did market secured with strawbiles and so on.

00:04:19: but as i said these are current challenges in road cycling too.

00:04:24: we have many roundabouts , speed bumps, traffic jam areas.

00:04:29: That doesn't make it any easier for races to run without crushes.

00:04:35: You had put that scene behind you very quickly.

00:04:38: The pace was only eased a moment because the summit finish is already coming up and It looked like since lisa bike has been pushing so hard until then, that you guys were taking over A bit..you went full gas into that climb.

00:04:52: Tell me what was your tactic behind that.

00:04:56: Did you already know hey Remco has good legs today or why did you ride into it so aggressively?

00:05:03: Yes, first of all You have to say First the group that Jonas crashed in waited for Jonas.

00:05:10: That is an unwritten law.

00:05:12: When a top rider crashes you don't just take advantage of the situation.

00:05:18: And the group Jonas was in waited at first.

00:05:22: We delayed by a minute, so the lead group gained another minute of an advantage because we waited for Jonas for a bit.

00:05:32: But once it was clear that the owners would not be coming back then The race continued and at first the Bahrain victorious team took over.

00:05:42: That wasn't us.

00:05:44: And only when the final climb began, did we take over and our goal was actually to ride the first three kilometers which were very steep at a moderate pace.

00:05:58: We didn't want to prepare any kind of attack... ...we just wanted to see that we took control off-the-race That the pace is fast but there are no attacks and Jahindel did it well.

00:06:14: Then Tadei Pogacar took over and the hub opened up.

00:06:18: And then only Remco, Evan Apple and Isaac Del Toro were able to follow.

00:06:23: Tadeipogacар.

00:06:25: Yes, I would like to go into that with you.

00:06:28: Pogaccia takes over in this situation but it was not the classic ''I am going full gas now'' Pogace attack But he simply forced the pace of such a way as at least still possible to keep up.

00:06:41: Why does he do something like that?

00:06:43: Was his intention for helping Del Toro which is actually crazy if he's on the yellow jersey It should really be the other way around.

00:06:52: or what did you think were your intentions behind him?

00:06:55: Yes, it is no secret that Tadej Pogacar and Isaac Del Toro get along well.

00:07:01: They also still had with Adam Yates a helper up front who came back from the lead group.

00:07:09: they were then able to use him for the pace setting as well.

00:07:13: And yes of course It's not a secret that team UAE Emirates would like stand on the podium in Paris And Isaac Del Toro is logically the one on a team who can manage to also be at the podium in Paris.

00:07:31: and accordingly you play such tactical games when the leader has five minute lead.

00:07:39: Okay, so actually help from the boss himself looking back.

00:07:44: that was obviously perfect for you but let's be honest only Remco could still hang there.

00:07:50: I think that surprised a lot of cycling fans, including me.

00:07:56: Not you or how did you see it?

00:07:59: It was definitely an approval stamp for our strategy since the end of April.

00:08:06: And there is another coaching change within the team for Remco Evernipolle and some bold decisions were made by Bold – he wrote Pastoni Liesh at the end in April and didn't ride another race until the Tour de France, so that is more than two months without a race.

00:08:27: That's something quite unusual in professional cycling.

00:08:31: but the new coach was the former coach of Jonas Wiengegaard.

00:08:35: he chose this approach.

00:08:37: we gave him free hand to let us say take that bold step.

00:08:42: We didn't interfere there and I can only congratulate the new coach, Tim Himskirk today for what he has done with Remco from the end of April until now.

00:08:55: So really this full focus on that tour a few races.

00:09:02: It was also in the media before regarding his weight that he has a few kilos less just to keep up over those deeper mountains.

00:09:11: Was it also a factor, do you think?

00:09:14: Well, this is our total package and we have already talked about weights here before.

00:09:19: I will not reveal any exact numbers here.

00:09:22: That is Remco's personal right And i don't want to interfere with that But you can see that there is not much room left for improvement or in this case, for reduction regarding Remco's weight status.

00:09:36: And yes it just the case that for mountains like todays finale You have to be relatively light.

00:09:43: but one thing must not forgotten Weight isn't everything and also has to deliver performance.

00:09:50: accordingly That exact balance is what matters I would say.

00:09:57: So far, everything looks very good for Remco.

00:10:00: Today he definitely had it!

00:10:02: Let's talk about the finale now.

00:10:04: three of them are pulling away at the front.

00:10:08: Pogacar sets a high pace the whole time until the end.

00:10:11: A very high pace, no one else can follow.

00:10:14: and now it is actually two against one in terms of team tactics nevertheless Remcoe's fastest.

00:10:21: in the end.

00:10:21: I had to feeling that was also first time that Pogaca did not look quite as fresh at least for us.

00:10:28: this sprint is concerned.

00:10:31: Was that simply a tactical error by UAE?

00:10:34: Did Zemko do it well or were they all just the limit?

00:10:37: and Zemco was better sprinter, how did you see the finale?

00:10:40: ?

00:10:42: Well for me Isaac Deltoro was most at his limits.

00:10:46: That also reflects final result.

00:10:47: he finished third last in three months sprint.

00:10:51: That Remco is very punchy, we know.

00:10:55: He was also yesterday for example at the finish line he still able to gain a few seconds on Rafael Ayuso.

00:11:06: and yes ultimately it's Mantuman Duel where Remco was better today than Po Pogacca.

00:11:13: Did you give him any instructions for the finale?

00:11:16: or was it just that we talked about The Icon Rider yesterday, that killer instinct to actually win this race?

00:11:25: Those are moments where truly special iconic riders show their talent and skill.

00:11:34: That is why they're so iconic because they won such prestigious mountain finishes like today at the Tour de France instead of coming in second or third.

00:11:48: Yes, but we have a second rider in your dual leadership and that is Florian Lipowitsyn.

00:11:53: He was then able to pull away from Ayuso a bit on back with Paul Seixas And his now fifth in general classification.

00:12:02: Was he not quite... quite fit, because actually everyone expected such long hard climbs.

00:12:10: That is Florian Lipovitz that tends to suit him.

00:12:14: how was it today?

00:12:16: Yes!

00:12:16: It's a matter of nuances at the front and Florian was really good.

00:12:22: I'm also happy for Florian.

00:12:26: he was able improve in general classification from sixth place that we made up some time on Juana Yuso from Little Trek and he did exactly the right thing.

00:12:40: He was in a second group, but didn't have to work because Remcoe was upfront so we made Paul Sexxas do all their work.

00:12:50: There is still over a week of the Tour de France left-to-race.

00:12:55: That also doesn't leave a young athlete like Paul Six's completely unaffected.

00:13:00: The energy he had to use on the final climb today, while Florian was able to save some strength from his wheel and so I expect in the final week when it really goes into high mountains where the climbs are not ten eleven twelve kilometers long.

00:13:19: Koldugalibir is thirty kilometers long and I expect a very, very strong Florian Lipovitz there.

00:13:27: We will see then how we can use that tactically.

00:13:33: But also congratulations on the performance that Florian showed today.

00:13:39: Does tactical use mean that Florians Lipovits could possibly provide some support for Remko Evernipol?

00:13:47: It is far too early to even talk about that now.

00:13:50: We are enjoying the victory today of Remco Evenepold!

00:14:04: On Tuesday is the time trial, and on Tuesday it's a time trial.

00:14:15: And after that we will look at general classification... ...and then come up with tactics for how to approach the stage on Wednesday….

00:14:26: …and who works for whom – what overall structure looks like.

00:14:30: But this is much too early!

00:14:31: Today we are enjoying

00:14:37: our moment.

00:14:42: However, it must be said and you have actually already drawn the conclusion.

00:14:46: It is a really good starting position.

00:14:48: now We have Fremco Avenipole in second The new second also due to the withdrawal of Jonas Wienegard one minute behind this del Toro followed by Seixas and Lipowitz.

00:14:59: If you draw a line under these two weeks now and go

00:15:02: into it with position like that, You probably would have signed up for this at the beginning.

00:15:07: Definitely if

00:15:08: someone had said

00:15:09: ok your

00:15:10: sitting in second or fifth place before the second rest day

00:15:17: The time trial hasn't taken place yet, where Remco is definitely also to be seen among the extended circle of favorites.

00:15:25: Then up-to now it's already a good tour.

00:15:27: but that too ends in Paris and I want to repeat myself again when we did the Tour de France preview here The final weekend around Alpe d'Huez with the really big giants like the Col du Gallibier or the Col de la Croix de Fer, there will be another shake-up and that is why you cannot say now it's over.

00:15:48: That way in general classification it'll stay this way until Paris because still some real alpine giants to come.

00:15:59: But that has also given someone like Remko ever nipple a massive confidence boost I think.

00:16:04: I only briefly heard the interview at The end where he said it means a lot to him To win a stage like this and not in quotation marks just in the time trial.

00:16:13: Where?

00:16:13: He knows, he can do It.

00:16:15: you approach those long mountains differently now when You know you have won this thing or along climb Like That.

00:16:22: right yes of course.

00:16:24: And there is the saying faith Can move Mountains

00:16:29: And that is definitely very, very helpful.

00:16:32: now for what still to come for Remco.

00:16:36: He proved today he can ride with Tadej and the best of this year's Tour de France... ...and it gives him a boost in self confidence.

00:16:48: Very good Ralf!

00:16:49: Before we get into the time trial after the rest day.. ..we have one or two things to catch up on which happened yesterday.

00:16:58: I heard both Florian Lipowitz and perhaps you noticed it too, we talked about how many fans were really on the course yesterday.

00:17:07: Florian Lippowitz thanked everyone multiple times again today he was still a bit overwhelmed.

00:17:13: did you also notice when leaving?

00:17:15: How much what's going around your?

00:17:18: No, it was a topic of conversation in the paddock before to start again today.

00:17:26: It's crazy what is going on there and structurally weak Alsace region.

00:17:32: how many people actually found their way?

00:17:36: And we talked yesterday about the course layout, which was practically ideal.

00:17:42: But also how many German fans were there and I perhaps wasn't able to reflect that here in the podcast because it wasn't at the track myself.

00:17:53: I was in the team bus, it wasn't by the track.

00:17:56: It was more towards the valley.

00:17:59: and what the racers told me today.

00:18:01: on the journalists too yes they often didn't get to next hotel until two or three because there were stuck traffic.

00:18:09: all mountain was blocked.

00:18:11: I think that is also a sign, Germany would be ready for the Tour de France start again.

00:18:17: when i think of many German flags along the route and names painted on the road.

00:18:25: He is definitely making an impact.

00:18:27: I think you can really say that we had a second not quite as pleasant story.

00:18:32: It was about An incident with the doping controllers.

00:18:36: it was reported That Jonas Wingergaard's doorbell Was rung at two in the morning and then Tadeh Pogacar said five.

00:18:44: Both took it relatively calmly, but of course It is deadly for recovery.

00:18:50: Tade said in an interview now without wanting to pass the buck But perhaps that was even a few percent why Jonas Wingegardt Was not quite as attentive In The right turn today.

00:19:02: How do you see such an incident?

00:19:05: to what extent does that really affect a subsequent stage like today?

00:19:09: Yes, I have always said the cycling is definitely The most strictly controlled sport.

00:19:15: Yeah We also have a pitch black history and it's good that there are such close monitoring whether or not conduct checks at night.

00:19:27: Well, you can certainly put a big question mark behind that.

00:19:32: purely according to the rules it is possible.

00:19:37: so we have to be available twenty four seven.

00:19:40: We Have No Legal Grounds To Take Action Against That.

00:19:45: But Two O'Clock Is Of Course Deep Sleep.

00:19:48: Face Five Is Not Much Better Either And That really takes energy.

00:19:55: and I would have wished that if you do such an action, maybe because we want to see what the racers are doing at night or what happens in their body then perhaps they should've done it more comprehensively.

00:20:12: Well... We were not affected team.

00:20:15: Dick Ethelon was not effected either how he did with Lidl but only two teams.

00:20:25: I don't know the background and if it's our turn, next night or after other teams' turns then its fair in a way.

00:20:37: If was just an isolated case for those two teams than i find that move very harsh.

00:20:45: Then we will keep an eye on that.

00:20:47: You'll surely report back when they show up at your door, yes But now it is actually time for a day of rest.

00:20:54: Tell us briefly you said want to celebrate the victory A little bit.

00:20:58: what's coming next?

00:21:01: Yes well by celebrating I don't mean That beer wine Is On The Table but We Will Certainly Have Toast Tonight This Evening.

00:21:14: Maybe not everyone will go to bed at eleven since tomorrow is a rest day.

00:21:22: Perhaps we'll have a nice glass of red wine, but there won't be party in our hotel because the Tour de France is far too hard for that.

00:21:32: and with the restday tomorrow everybody has their homework.

00:21:36: Everyone has things to do tomorrow.

00:21:40: That's why I think it will be in moderation, but that is not a bad thing.

00:21:45: What's important?

00:21:46: to enjoy the success and what we'll do – you have earned it!

00:21:50: Maybe our next success comes as early as Tuesday.

00:21:53: I think the name Remko-Evenepol must always come up when a time trial is coming.

00:22:00: However, there are also four hundred meters of altitude to overcome on that twenty six kilometer course which makes it not quite so easy.

00:22:09: how you're approaching this stage?

00:22:11: Is actually something where might be said again at end that Remko Evenepol taking his second win right away?

00:22:19: Yes, well as I said earlier Remco is currently always among the extended circle of favourites in a time trial.

00:22:26: It's not an easy time trial regarding climbing meters that are almost four hundred all at once!

00:22:33: The descent is very technical.

00:22:36: so first you have to get down quickly and hopefully without crashing.

00:22:43: We know the course, we have inspected everything here and it is a demanding time trial.

00:22:49: And after a rest day you really need to see how each individual comes out of their rest days.

00:22:57: Yes!

00:22:58: It's not like you can warm up in a time trial or road stage And if your legs are a bit heavy after the rest day, well that would be after an hour or two in a race.

00:23:10: But on time trial it is zero to one hundred and that's after a rest day.

00:23:16: I'm curious how everyone handles this.

00:23:21: It will definitely be exciting.

00:23:23: we'll watch again.

00:23:27: There will be no episode tomorrow on the rest day, as usual.

00:23:31: instead we'll back with full energy for Tuesday and with that I thank you very much.

00:23:38: From tuesday i would like to send my greetings and congratulations over.

00:23:48: Thank you, we will enjoy it and send our best regards back

00:24:03: to Rosenheim.