Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) has decided to end his extraordinary 2025 season early, forgoing the Giro di Lombardia to recharge his batteries for 2026, when he will partner Remco Evenepoel.

The 25-year-old German had a stellar year, capped by third place in the Tour de France behind Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, also taking the white jersey for best young rider after a thrilling battle with Oscar Onley in the final mountain stages.

Lipowitz has literally stolen the show from teammate Primož Roglič, establishing himself as the German team's new leader in stage races just as Evenepoel's signing was coming together. In 2026, while Roglič will target the Giro d'Italia in his final season, the Lipowitz-Evenepoel duo will focus on the Tour de France.

Lipowitz also stood out in 2025, finishing second in Paris-Nice, fourth in the Itzulia Basque Country, and third in the Critérium du Dauphiné. After 52 days of racing, culminating in the Deutschland Tour and the Canadian Classics, it was time to take a break.

"I can finally dedicate myself to all those things that don't make time for during the year. It's wonderful to be able to completely free my mind," Lipowitz explained. "During the season, everything is planned—races, training, recovery. Now I have time to ride without a specific goal, or even not ride at all. This type of mental recovery is just as important as physical recovery."

For Fantacycling 2026 , Lipowitz is one of the most interesting names to follow, especially in stage races, where he will be able to count on cohabitation with a champion of the caliber of Evenepoel.

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency