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  • Stage 13: "The mood is a bit somber – but no blame on Maxim van Gils"

    Stage 13: "The mood is a bit somber – but no blame on Maxim van Gils"
    2026/07/17
    Breakaway riders, take note. On the long road to Belfort, many riders fancied their chances. The dominant Tadej Pogačar let them go, and so, at the end of Stage 14, the Swiss rider Mauro Schmid took the victory. Right there in the battle for the win: Maxim van Gils from Team Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. In the end, he finished fourth. "The mood is a bit somber – but no blame on Maxim van Gils," says Ralph Denk, team manager of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. Meanwhile, Tom Pidcock, a prominent name, launched an attack on the overall standings podium. He moved up from eleventh to fourth place. "I never got nervous," Denk says about it. The Briton had simply lost too much time "involuntarily" in the general classification so far. In the background, the focus is on the development of the Raubling-based team's youth. The U19 and U23 categories have become a major priority, especially since Red Bull joined. Denk explains the philosophy behind it and how, in the best-case scenario, the team aims to produce the next Tour winner. On the fourteenth day of the Tour, things get really tough for the riders. Le Markstein Fellering is the name of the mountain finish after four incredibly brutal climbs. A challenge for Team Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe? "It will be a hard battle among the best riders. We want to be right up there with Remco and Florian," says Denk.
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    21 分
  • Stage 12: "The boys are feeling good – but now things are getting really serious"

    Stage 12: "The boys are feeling good – but now things are getting really serious"
    2026/07/16
    Last chance for the sprinters on the way to Chalon-sur-Saône. This is what team manager Ralph Denk predicted, and that is exactly how it played out. After a flat stage, Tim Merlier won for the third time already following a frantic finale that included a crash. "He is the strongest sprinter this year," Denk acknowledges without envy. For his team, it was a relatively quiet day. "The mood is good. The boys are feeling good… but there are still plenty of mountains to come, and that’s when things will get really serious," says the team boss. In the background, Denk talks about the sacrifices in cycling. Last year, for example, Jonas Vingegaard spoke of a potential retirement. Denk puts the challenges facing the pros into perspective and explains the biggest differences compared to earlier times. From Dole to Belfort, things are getting hillier. The riders face 2,400 meters of elevation gain and 205 kilometers, with a tough climb at the end. "There could be two races: one at the front for the breakaway, and one for the yellow jersey," says Denk. "For us, it's important that Remco and Florian get through safely."
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    22 分
  • Stage 11: Tour only in August? “I like Pogačar’s proposal”

    Stage 11: Tour only in August? “I like Pogačar’s proposal”
    2026/07/15
    In the latest edition, Denk reflects on Stage 11 of the 2026 Tour de France. “The way the stage unfolded was exactly what I expected, but not the finale. The fact that the sprint teams only managed to organize themselves so late is, for me, a clear indication that everyone is already completely exhausted. Normally, that happens much earlier,” says the 52-year-old. At Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, all riders reached the finish safely and without any issues. “The medical data also looks good, and all key indicators are in the green,” emphasizes the team manager. The feature story focuses on Tadej Pogačar’s proposal to revolutionize the racing calendar. Denk is clearly enthusiastic about the idea. “I think it’s great that such an icon is addressing this so openly. If the riders support it, a Tour de France in August is certainly conceivable. The Spring Classics have to stay, but everything else should be open for discussion.” The final part looks ahead to Stage 12, which will take place on Thursday. The riders will cover 180 kilometers between Magny-Cours and Chalon-sur-Saône. “The sprinters don’t have many opportunities left in this Tour. I think we’ll see another bunch sprint tomorrow,” Denk concludes. Photo: IMAGO / Photo News
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    24 分
  • Stage 10: "Remco nearly paid a high price for his bravery."

    Stage 10: "Remco nearly paid a high price for his bravery."
    2026/07/14
    In the latest edition, Denk talks about the tenth stage of the 2026 Tour de France. "It was a very good day for us, and we are completely satisfied with the team's performance. In my opinion, the chasing group could even have caught Pogacar if they had worked together well," the 52-year-old said. "Remco invested an enormous amount during the decisive phase and almost paid a high price for it. He struggled on the final climb, which was a consequence of the intense work he had done beforehand. That's what defines him overall. He is not satisfied with finishing second," the team manager emphasized. Denk has nothing but praise for both team leaders, including Florian Lipowitz. "He's doing an outstanding job. Also, the way he now handles the media is impressive. From a sporting perspective, he has tremendous power and a great deal of talent. Right now we're talking about seconds, but in the third week it will be about minutes. I have a very good feeling about Florian." The final part focuses on the eleventh stage, which will be raced on Wednesday. The riders will cover 161 kilometers between Vichy and Nevers. "I expect a bunch sprint. The general classification riders will be grateful if it's a bit calmer for them," Denk concluded. Photo: IMAGO / Sirotti
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    22 分
  • Stage 9: “We burned our powder too early – It didn't look good.”

    Stage 9: “We burned our powder too early – It didn't look good.”
    2026/07/12
    In the latest edition, Denk reflects on the ninth stage of the 2026 Tour de France. “We expected a classic breakaway to form, but things turned out differently. We wanted Maxim van Gils to make that break and went all in right from the start. But the breakaway never really came together, so we spent our energy relatively early,” says the 52-year-old. “The fact that Remco and Florian were isolated was far from ideal. That's something we need to discuss internally as a team. You can't prioritize a potential stage win over the overall classification. It worked out in the end, but it didn't look good. I can understand why the fans were unhappy,” the team manager emphasizes. The final part looks ahead to Stage 10, which will take place on Tuesday. The riders will cover 166 kilometers from Aurillac to Le Lioran. “I'm firmly expecting a day for the general classification contenders and a race of attrition. If Remco and Florian are feeling good, we can certainly try something,” Denk concludes.
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    20 分
  • Stage 8: "Everyone is fit – I hope lots of hands go up"

    Stage 8: "Everyone is fit – I hope lots of hands go up"
    2026/07/11
    In the latest edition, Denk reflects on the eighth stage of the 2026 Tour de France. "I expected a larger breakaway group. But in the end, we also lacked the crosswinds needed to make the race more difficult," says the 52-year-old. "We came through the stage well, and everyone in the team is fit. After eight days, that's by no means something you can take for granted," emphasizes the team manager. The background feature focuses on the Tour de France's media infrastructure. Denk explains the enormous logistical effort on site, the media work involving the riders, and provides insights into a special project run by his team. The final section looks ahead to the ninth stage, which will be raced on Sunday. The riders will cover 185 kilometers from Malemort to Ussel. "I'd say there's an 80 percent chance that a breakaway will make it tomorrow. We'll talk to our riders later today. I hope lots of hands go up from riders who want to be part of the breakaway tomorrow," Denk concludes.
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    22 分
  • Stage 7: "Everyone loves each other and we are focusing on racing"

    Stage 7: "Everyone loves each other and we are focusing on racing"
    2026/07/10
    In the current edition, Denk reports on the seventh stage of the 2026 Tour de France. "We saw a mass sprint in Bordeaux, which became apparent relatively early on. To be honest, I am a bit surprised by the passivity of some teams. In my opinion, those who don't have a general classification contender or an absolute top sprinter in their ranks should be risking much more," says the 52-year-old. "When we were starting with a wildcard in our early years, Tour director Christian Prudhomme told me clearly that he wanted to see something from us. He didn't expect victories, but he made it clear that we should help shape the race," Denk reports. Meanwhile, the drama surrounding Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz is water under the bridge. "That's no longer an issue for us. Everyone loves each other and we are focusing on racing," the team manager emphasizes. The final section is about the eighth stage, which will be ridden on Saturday. A distance of 180 kilometers must be covered between Périgueux and Bergerac. "I’m not sure if we’ll see another mass sprint. I would put the chances at 60 to 40," Denk concludes. Photo: IMAGO / Photo News
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    21 分
  • Stage 6: "We have nothing to reproach ourselves for – Vingegaard is not much better"

    Stage 6: "We have nothing to reproach ourselves for – Vingegaard is not much better"
    2026/07/09
    Late at night and after an exhausting day, team manager Ralph Denk analyzes the sixth stage. With over 4,000 meters of climbing, the Col du Tourmalet, and a mountain finish, it was a brutal day at the office. An attack by Tadej Pogačar 42 kilometers before the finish put the top riders under intense pressure. "The pace was fast right from the start, and we made small mistakes," Denk says, referring to an poorly-timed bathroom break by Remco Evenepoel. For Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, the day ended in the chasing group behind Vingegaard and Pogačar. "We have nothing to reproach ourselves for. We can be satisfied with that," Denk says. "I think Jonas Vingegaard is not much better overall. The battle behind first place is wide open," the team boss emphasizes. The seventh stage promises to be a bit quieter for the general classification favorites. On the way to Bordeaux, there will be another opportunity for the pure sprinters. "We hope the wind plays along, making it a calmer stage for us," Denk says. Photo: IMAGO / Photo News
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    13 分