Pogacar Focused on Final Week Battle as Lipowitz Rises in Tour de France Rankings

Posted : 22 July 2025

Tadej Pogacar has declared his determination to fight for every kilometre in the final week of the 2025 Tour de France, with six days of racing left in his quest for a fourth title. Despite holding a comfortable four-minute lead, the UAE Team Emirates rider is taking nothing for granted. Speaking on the race’s second rest day, Pogacar reflected on his growth since winning his first Tour at age 20, saying he now feels more focused and mature.

“This is my sixth Tour. I do miss the white jersey, but I’ve grown up,” said the 26-year-old, noting that he’s learned the importance of staying focused throughout every stage. He admitted the early part of the race was nerve-wracking, but feels he has since settled in and begun enjoying the ride, especially after seizing the lead by dominating two mountain stages in the Pyrenees.

Pogacar currently leads by over four minutes ahead of rival Jonas Vingegaard, who remains a key threat as the race enters the Alps. While Pogacar respects Vingegaard’s strength, he emphasized that the final days will be about strategy and performance, not names. “It’s not about revenge, I just want to perform better,” he stated, referencing past years when Vingegaard outpaced him to win in 2022 and 2023. Pogacar added that team spirit is also keeping him grounded, saying, “Even without the race, I’d come just to be with this group.”

Meanwhile, German rider Florian Lipowitz has become one of the standout stories of this year’s Tour. The 24-year-old from Red Bull-Bora sits third overall and is the top-ranked rider under 25. With a background in biathlon, Lipowitz made a unique transition into cycling after battling knee injuries. His determination led him to personally approach Red Bull’s team manager Ralph Denk—after cycling 100 km just to make his case in person.

Described by Pogacar as “a really cool and strong guy,” Lipowitz has impressed with top-five finishes in all three Pyrenean stages and a strong performance in the time trial. His coach, Rolf Aldag, praised him as “unbreakable,” highlighting his powerful endurance and technical skill. With experienced teammate Primoz Roglic by his side, Lipowitz’s future looks bright, and many are beginning to wonder if he could one day become Germany’s next Tour de France champion.

Pogacar Focused on Final Week Battle as Lipowitz Rises in Tour de France Rankings

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