Already on the podium today?: High-flyer Lipowitz makes Germany excited

Already on the podium today? High-flyer Lipowitz is making Germany excited. July 19, 2025, 8:44 a.m.

Just seconds separate rising star Florian Lipowitz from taking third place overall in the Tour de France. This has sent cycling in Germany into a state of euphoria not seen in a long time. But there are still some tricky stages ahead before Paris.

Florian Lipowitz is sending cycling fans into a frenzy in Germany. But for the rising star from Ulm, the reactions from home to his brilliant performances at the Tour de France are a mixed bag. "It's really nice to see that there are so many cycling enthusiasts in Germany again and that they're also following the race," said the 24-year-old after his fourth place in the Peyragudes mountain time trial.

Then came the big but: "On the other hand, you might put a bit more pressure on yourself," said the Tour debutant. "Even yesterday after the first Pyrenees stage, it took me a while to calm down. But overall, it's great to see that so many fans are here and that the support from home is so great."

The last time German fans were so excited about a Tour de France was in 2019, when Emanuel Buchmann fought for the podium and narrowly missed it, finishing fourth. Lipowitz is also now in fourth place, and he could already take the podium spot on Saturday's final and toughest Pyrenees stage over the mythical Tourmalet.

Lipowitz: "Everything is possible"

Third-placed Belgian Remco Evenepoel is only six seconds ahead, having clearly weakened in both Pyrenees stages. Behind the seemingly uncatchable leader Tadej Pogacar and second-placed Jonas Vingegaard, anything is possible. "To be honest, Pogacar and Jonas are out of reach. But I think we definitely have a good chance in the fight for third place," said Lipowitz. "I don't want to look too far ahead. But anything is possible."

The tour is still long: On Tuesday, he'll climb the infamous Mont Ventoux, then continue toward the Alps. Given the calm and strength that newcomer Lipowitz has shown so far, he has no reason to fear that.

"So far, I'm doing pretty well. But it's only my second Grand Tour," said Lipowitz. "Three weeks of racing is something completely different. Let's see what happens in the third week."