Red Bull consider new Classics approach for Florian Lipowitz ahead of 2027 Worlds

Denk believes adding more Classics to Lipowitz's programme could not only improve his chances at the Worlds, but also help him develop as a Grand Tour contender. However, he stressed that the team must strike the right balance between expanding his ambitions and protecting his strengths as a stage racer.

Speaking during a media round on Monday, Denk welcomed Lipowitz's interest in testing himself more frequently in one-day races.

"I would actually welcome that, because one-day races are ridden even harder than stage races," Denk said, as reported by Eurosport.

The Red Bull boss believes the intensity of the Classics could benefit Lipowitz in the Grand Tours, although any change to his programme would need to be carefully managed.

"It has to fit," he insisted. "It's a balancing act."

Lipowitz himself has already expressed a desire to develop his abilities beyond stage racing.

"I simply have to focus a little more on the one-day races and improve there," the 26-year-old recently told ARD.

The team had already considered giving him opportunities in the Classics this autumn. Lipowitz was expected to line up at Il Lombardia, one of cycling's five Monuments, before illness forced him to miss the race.

"We missed him there because of illness. I would have liked to have had him there," Denk said.

The Red Bull boss believed Lipowitz could have played "a good role" in the demanding Italian Classic.

One event in particular appears to be influencing Red Bull's thinking.

The 2027 UCI Road World Championships in France will feature a punishing course with approximately 5,000 metres of climbing. For a rider with Lipowitz's climbing ability and endurance, it presents an opportunity that the team is reluctant to ignore.

"The World Championships are brutally hard with 5,000 metres of climbing, and the course is practically tailor-made for Florian," Denk explained.

"That's why it would be good for him to ride another one or two one-day races beforehand."

Lipowitz has already gained experience at that level, finishing 47th at the 2026 World Championships in Montréal. Afterwards, he suggested that "perhaps there is even more possible next year."

Lipowitz's 2026 Tour de France ended painfully when he crashed during the stage 16 time trial and broke his collarbone. It was a bitter setback after finishing third overall and winning the white jersey the previous year.

"I felt terribly sorry for him at the time," Denk admitted.

Despite that disappointment, the German had already enjoyed an impressive first half of the season.

"We made it clear to him that in the first half of the season, he was on the same level as the very best," Denk explained. "He achieved podium finishes in Catalunya, the Basque Country and Romandie. On top of that came the victory at the Tour of Slovenia."

Red Bull must now decide how to divide Grand Tour leadership between Lipowitz and Remco Evenepoel in 2027. The Giro d'Italia remains a potential option, although Denk stressed that no decision has been made.

"That's a question we can discuss. As things stand, the outcome is still open," he said.

The team plans to wait until the routes of all three Grand Tours have been revealed before finalising its approach.

For Lipowitz, that could mean a different Grand Tour target alongside more opportunities in the Classics, with the demanding 2027 World Championships emerging as a particularly appealing objective.