Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team principal Ralph Denk has confirmed that the decision regarding a potential dual-leadership strategy for the 2027 Tour de France remains under active consideration. The team is currently evaluating its tactical approach for the upcoming season.
Denk addressed the possibility of pairing German talent Florian Lipowitz with Belgian star Remco Evenepoel during a recent media briefing. He noted that the team must carefully deliberate on whether to repeat the dual-captaincy structure used in previous campaigns.
The team principal explained that the final decision will be heavily influenced by the specific route details of the 2027 Tour de France. Organisers are scheduled to unveil the official race route this coming Thursday, which will guide tactical planning.
Both Lipowitz and Evenepoel entered the 2026 Tour de France as co-captains, a strategy designed to maximise the team's chances against the peloton's elite. However, the race presented significant challenges that impacted the team's overall performance during the event.
Florian Lipowitz, who achieved a notable third-place finish in the 2025 edition of the Tour, was unable to complete the 2026 race. The German rider was forced to abandon the competition following a crash that ended his participation prematurely.
Remco Evenepoel successfully navigated the 2026 race, ultimately securing second place in the general classification. He finished behind the eventual winner, Tadej Pogačar, who continued his dominance in the sport's most prestigious event throughout the three-week race.
Reflecting on the dynamics between the two riders, Denk addressed reports of friction during the 2026 season. He dismissed suggestions of a deep-seated rivalry, characterising the situation as a normal interaction between different personalities within a large squad.
Denk emphasised that having diverse characters is standard practice in a professional cycling team of 30 riders. He maintained that the working relationship between his two primary contenders remains professional despite the pressures of Grand Tour racing.
The team management is now focused on long-term strategy as they prepare for the 2027 calendar. The presentation of the Tour de France route will serve as a critical milestone for the team's leadership and rider selection process.
As the cycling world awaits the route announcement, speculation continues regarding how Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe will structure its roster. The team remains committed to competing at the highest level of professional road cycling and securing future Grand Tour victories.
Denk stated during the briefing: "Whether we'll do it again, sending them together into a major cycling race like the Tour de France, is something we need to discuss. It's far too early to say now."
The team principal highlighted that the decision is not merely about personnel but about matching the riders' strengths to the specific demands of the course. The route reveal will be the primary factor in determining the team's final composition.
The 2026 Tour de France proved to be a testing ground for the team's dual-leader experiment. While the strategy aimed to provide tactical flexibility against rivals, the physical toll and race incidents forced a shift in the team's approach.
Remco Evenepoel's performance in 2026 solidified his status as a premier contender for the yellow jersey. His ability to maintain a podium position despite the loss of his co-captain demonstrated his resilience and individual capability on the road.
Florian Lipowitz remains a central figure in the team's future plans. His podium finish in 2025 established him as a major talent, and the team is keen to support his development as he recovers from his 2026 setbacks.
The internal culture of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is built on managing a large group of elite athletes. Denk believes that the friction observed by outsiders is often overstated and is simply a byproduct of high-stakes competition among team-mates.
With 30 riders in the squad, the team principal highlighted that managing different personalities is a daily task. He insisted that the professional environment ensures that individual ambitions are aligned with the broader objectives of the team.
The upcoming route presentation is highly anticipated by all major teams. The profile of the mountain stages and time trials will dictate which riders are best suited to lead the team's charge for the 2027 general classification.
Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe continues to invest heavily in its cycling programme. The team's commitment to innovation and strategic planning is reflected in their ongoing analysis of past performances and future race requirements for their key riders.
As the off-season progresses, the team will continue to evaluate the potential for future partnerships. The management remains focused on ensuring that both Lipowitz and Evenepoel are positioned to succeed in the most challenging races on the calendar.
Join the conversation