Florian Lipowitz claimed his first victory in two years on the queen stage of the Tour of Slovenia. Together with Giulio Pellizzari, the German delivered a memorable one-two finish for Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, with the two teammates crossing the line arm in arm in Kranjska Gora.
Florian Lipowitz and Giulio Pellizzari
© Mario Stiehl
At 184.7 kilometres, the stage was not only the longest of the race. Around 3,500 metres of climbing and temperatures well above 30°C added to the challenge. Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe continued the successful approach that had already paid off in the previous stages, controlling the race from the outset and gradually reducing the peloton through a relentless pace.
The decisive move came on the ascent of the Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia. The climb stretched for more than 12 kilometres, and Florian Lipowitz and Giulio Pellizzari were perfectly positioned by their teammates before cresting the summit at the front of the race.
On the technical descent towards the finish, featuring several cobbled sections, Lipowitz avoided taking unnecessary risks. Once Pellizzari rejoined him, the pair rode clear together and never looked back on their way to the stage victory.
“I’m super happy to have a win. It took now two years. I’m really proud how we were racing as a team.”
“Congrats to the team – they did a really good job today. I had a little bit more pressure on myself. In the end I felt good. We did our pace on the climb and having Giulio there was really impressive.”
— Florian Lipowitz
Lipowitz’s triumph marks the 25th victory of the season for Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. The German WorldTeam has now surpassed its number of wins from each of the previous three seasons, despite the campaign only reaching its halfway point.
