Lipowitz explains late Itzulia entry, hints at support role for Roglič

Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) is the only rider who finished in the top six at the Volta a Catalunya to take to the start in the Basque Country, and the German admitted that he could still feel the previous race in his legs during his time trial effort on Monday's opening stage at Itzulia.

“It was a pretty hard start to the race. I think I still feel a bit in the legs from Catalunya, but I think we did a good performance,” Lipowitz told CyclingProNet after crossing the finish line of the time trial where he posted a time of 17:42.

“Primož [Roglič] also looked very strong and yeah, let’s see, five really hard days in front of us, but I’m happy with the performance today, and looking forward.

Roglič himself struck a measured but positive tone after his ride, despite missing out on the stage win.

“I mean, I did a nice time trial. Obviously, I would always prefer to win, but some guys were faster today. I’m happy with my performance, and let’s go for the next days,” said Roglič to CyclingProNet.

When asked about his goals for the week, the Slovenian kept things simple: “Just to do my best, and then we will see.”

The decision for the German to race in the Basque Country came late, and Lipowitz explained that it was a personal one, influenced by a combination of illness within the Red Bull camp and a motivation to build on his current race shape.

“We decided super late. Actually, I made the call after some guys fell sick after Catalunya, and then I said I wanted to keep the good shape and let’s see what’s possible here,” explained Lipowitz.

In Catalunya, Lipowitz was well-supported by Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), en route to securing third overall behind Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) and Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious).

With the late call-up, Lipowitz floated the idea that he could lean into a support role in the Basque Country for Roglič, depending on how both riders' form fares as the race develops. Roglič finished with a time of 17:37, with Lipowitz on 17:42, and both riders behind the benchmark time set by Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) of 17:09.

“I mean, the combination is always super hard, Catalunya and Basque, so we have to see how the next days are. But I think Primož [Roglič] is also in really good shape, and maybe I can also help him to get him on the podium or even win,” said Lipowitz.

When asked if this meant that Lipowitz was shelving his own personal ambitions for the GC, the German highlighted the strength of having two riders well placed in the overall standings.

“I mean we have to see how the legs are, but I think it’s always better to have two strong guys here and yeah we will have to see,” concluded Lipowitz.