SerpApi.Org
Florian Lipowitz crashed out of the Tour de France in a high-speed spill Tuesday during the individual time trial in stage 16.
The German was posting a solid ride when he appeared to slip on painted white strips marking a pedestrian crossing on a tight right-hander with about 12km to go in the course.
The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider slammed into protective pads but also appeared to strike a curb.
Lipowitz started fifth in the overall standings at 6’48” behind yellow jersey Tadej Pogačar. He did not continue.
There was no immediate update on his condition, but he was clutching his shoulder as he regrouped after the crash.
Red Bull teammate Remco Evenepoel won the stage and only learned at the finish line that Lipowitz was out.
“I was just told that my teammate Florian crashed. That’s unfortunate,” Evenepoel said. “It’s a bittersweet pill to swallow with this victory. I hope he’s not too bad. It’s a shame he’s out and I will miss him in the final week.”
Evenepoel and Lipowitz started as co-leaders, but the Belgian was riding into strength following his victory Sunday and another one in the time trial Tuesday.
Lipowitz was third overall in the 2025 Tour and started as co-captain at Red Bull alongside Evenepoel.
The Belgian won his second stage in a row Tuesday and even clawed back 28 seconds on Pogačar. Evenepoel remains second overall at 4:32 back, with UAE’s Isaac del Toro nipping at his heels at 6:51 back.
Even if there was some reports of tension, Lipowitz said repeatedly he would be ready to help Evenepoel if he was stronger. Jai Hindley will now step up for additional supports in the French Alps.
More to come …
