The surprise winner of the 2025 Tour de France, Florian Lipowitz , has clear ideas about his plan for next season: the Giro d'Italia will not be among his objectives.

The German rider, who took third place and the white jersey as best young rider in his first Tour de France, finishing behind only phenoms Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, said his focus for 2026 will once again be on the Grande Boucle.

The 25-year-old Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider hasn't yet fully finalized his schedule, which won't be revealed until December, but he has already ruled out competing in the Giro. His only experience in the Giro d'Italia dates back to 2024, when he was forced to withdraw due to illness after wearing the white jersey for a few days.

Lipowitz also revealed that he underwent nasal septum surgery during the offseason to prevent recurring infections that have plagued him in the past.

"The Tour de France is the most important race, everyone wants to participate," said the German rider. Regarding the 2026 Tour route, which features a very demanding third week with two climbs to Alpe d'Huez, Lipowitz admitted he hasn't studied it in detail yet, but he knows the tough finish suits his characteristics.

Regarding the arrival of teammate Remco Evenepoel, Lipowitz had only one positive comment: 'It's always nice to have such a successful rider on the team.'

After finishing the 2025 season in September in Canada, the rider has already begun preparations for 2026, admitting that 'after six weeks off my condition isn't the best, but I'm optimistic about a quick recovery'.

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