Remco Evenepoel Returns to Tour, Shares Leadership with Lipowitz

**Remco Evenepoel** re‑entered the Tour de France on 19 July 2025, riding alongside Florian Lipowitz as co‑leaders of Red Bull‑Bora‑Hansgrohe after a year‑long recovery from a broken rib and sinus infection. The Belgian’s return marks his first Grand Tour without sole command of the squad, a strategic shift he says could help topple reigning champion Tadej Pogačar.

Evenepoel explained that the new dual‑leadership model reflects the depth of Red Bull’s roster. “If Tadej is at a super high level then it’s very difficult to beat him, especially when you’re alone,” he told *The Athletic*. “So then it’s better to be with two.” The partnership with Lipowitz, who captured the white jersey in Paris last year, blends contrasting riding styles and body types, giving the team tactical flexibility in mountain stages and time trials.

After months of speculation, Evenepoel confirmed his transfer in August 2024, citing the team’s rapid growth and strong performance in classics and UCI rankings. “Red Bull was growing, behind the scenes but also the riders,” he said. “We’re second in the UCI team rankings, behind only UAE Team Emirates. I really believe in this project.” The switch also introduced new training methods and staff, which Evenepoel believes have already lifted his performance.

Evenepoel still dreams of winning all three Grand Tours, but he acknowledges the challenge posed by Pogačar’s dominance over the past two years. He highlighted a recent collaboration in the Volta a Catalunya, where Lipowitz finished third and Evenepoel fifth, and the duo helped win the team time trial in Mallorca. “We know what to do, and we’re happy with how it works. We’ll be fully ready,” he added.

The French prodigy Paul Seixas, now 19, has emerged as a dark horse for the podium, sitting behind Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard in the pre‑race hierarchy. Seixas already boasts victories at Fleche‑Wallone and the Tour of the Basque Country, plus podiums at Strade Bianche and Liège‑Bastogne‑Liège. Evenepoel, who broke through as a teenager, empathises with Seixas’s pressure, noting how preparation has evolved dramatically since 2019.

Evenepoel expressed concern for young riders turning professional too early, lacking knowledge about altitude camps or power‑to‑weight ratios. He recalled his own learning curve at 19, when he “didn’t know what an altitude camp was, what seven watts per kilo were.” The Belgian hopes that his experience can guide the next generation while he battles for a place on the 2025 podium.

With the Tour still in its early stages, Evenepoel will target mountain stages where his climbing prowess can shine. The co‑leadership with Lipowitz means tactical decisions will be shared, potentially allowing Evenepoel to conserve energy for decisive attacks. Fans will watch closely to see if the new structure can finally break Pogačar’s streak and deliver the Grand Tour victory Evenepoel has chased since his 2021 Giro debut.