Florian Lipowitz crashes out of Tour de France time trial as Evenepoel wins stage
Florian Lipowitz crashes out of Tour de France time trial after front wheel slides 8 km from finish. Evenepoel wins stage, Pogacar keeps yellow jersey.
Florian Lipowitz was forced to abandon the Tour de France after a violent crash during the individual time trial into Thonon les Bains. The 25 year old lost control of his front wheel in a high speed bend and struck the asphalt hard eight kilometers from the finish. He was seen entering an ambulance holding his arm and did not take any further part in the race. The incident abruptly ended the hopes of one of the race favorites on a day dominated by time trial specialists.
Lipowitz crashes out of time trial
Lipowitz had been riding aggressively on the 26.1 kilometer course when his front wheel slipped on a corner and he was thrown to the road. Medical staff attended immediately and he was conveyed from the scene before the stage concluded. Team sources confirmed his withdrawal and described the crash as a heavy impact. The loss is a major blow for his squad and for German cycling which had pinned hopes on the young rider.
Evenepoel claims stage as Pogacar holds overall lead
Belgian Remco Evenepoel produced a dominant ride to take the stage into Thonon les Bains and was 28 seconds faster than overall leader Tadej Pogacar over the course. Evenepoel’s time trial performance extended his standing as the day’s best against the clock in a discipline he has long targeted. Despite the stage result the general classification remained in Pogacar’s favour with the Slovenian maintaining a lead of four minutes and thirty two seconds over Evenepoel. Mexican rider Isaac del Toro sits third in the standings six minutes and fifty one seconds behind the race leader.
Second pre race favorite leaves Tour
Lipowitz’s exit follows an earlier withdrawal by Jonas Vingegaard and leaves the race short of two previously touted podium contenders. Lipowitz had been the surprise of last year’s race when he finished third overall and had entered this edition as a credible challenger. Team dynamics had earlier pointed to a co captain arrangement with Evenepoel but as the race unfolded the Belgian emerged as the stronger rider. The sudden absence of both contenders reshapes tactical options for the remaining teams as the race moves toward the decisive stages.
Late night doping controls at Red Bull team
The Red Bull team underwent anti doping checks late on the night before the time trial when all eight riders were tested around ten pm. Team members described the operation as professional and efficient and distinguished it from controversial predawn visits reported earlier in the race for other teams. Riders and staff said the visit was conducted by a small group of officials and completed swiftly without disrupting preparations for the stage. The team’s staff emphasized that the timing of the checks fell within expected procedures.
McNulty collides with car before stage
Separately there was a roadside incident involving Brandon McNulty before the start of the stage when an encounter with a motorist resulted in contact between the rider and a vehicle. Team management said the driver had acted aggressively and then halted, leading to the collision which the team described as minor. Team director Mauro Gianetti told media the matter was not serious and that McNulty was able to continue with pre race routines. The episode underlined the hazards riders can face even away from the course while navigating closed roads and traffic in the lead up to stages.
Stage profile points to sprint chance on Wednesday
Race organizers set a mostly flat 174.7 kilometer stage between Chambery and Voiron for the next day and the profile suggests a likely opportunity for sprinters to contest the finish. The route includes some gentle rises that could enable a late breakaway but the final kilometers are suited to a mass sprint if teams control the tempo. With several general classification contenders already lost to crashes and other incidents, sprint teams may seize the chance to chase stage glory. Tactical chess among the leadout trains could decide whether a fast man or a daring escape wins the day.
Florian Lipowitz’s withdrawal alters the complexion of the Tour and raises fresh questions about safety on technical descents and at high speed bends. Evenepoel’s stage victory and Pogacar’s continued dominance in the overall standings create a new competitive narrative as the race moves into its middle stages. Teams will now reassess their plans with the loss of a major contender and focus on both protecting their leaders and seizing remaining stage opportunities.
