Forget just being the best; Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe is aiming to be the most captivating team in cycling! As they gear up for 2026, their strategy for the Tour de France is taking a fascinating turn, prioritizing excitement and a star-studded lineup designed to challenge for the coveted Maillot Jaune.
Team principal Ralph Denk has articulated a vision that goes beyond mere victory. He's focused on building a team that attracts fans and talent alike, a philosophy he shared with Marca. "Our goal is to be the most attractive team in the world," Denk stated. But what does 'attractive' truly mean in this context? It's a blend of strong performances, race wins, and crucially, the development of exceptional young talents. Think riders like Lorenzo Finn, Giulio Pellizzari, and of course, the exciting prospects of Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz.
Denk emphasized that entertainment is a vital ingredient, perhaps even more so than simply being the top team. "It is even a little more important than simply being the best team in the world," he remarked. Yet, let's be clear: the ambition to win major races remains at the forefront.
This philosophy is directly shaping their 2026 Tour de France campaign. The decision to exclude Primoz Roglic from their Tour plans isn't a slight; it's a strategic move reflecting where they believe their strongest chances lie. But here's where it gets controversial...
Lipowitz's Ascent: A Quiet Game Changer
The seeds of this strategic shift were sown in 2025. Denk admitted that the team's season was significantly boosted by one rider's performance in one key race. "We saved our season thanks to a very good Tour de France from Florian Lipowitz," he explained, highlighting the immense significance of that particular race. While they also achieved success at the Vuelta, including a stage win, Denk acknowledged that their performance in the classics needs improvement.
Lipowitz's Tour performance did more than just salvage the year; it subtly elevated his standing within the team. What initially seemed like a supporting role evolved into a powerful demonstration of his capability on cycling's grandest stage. With the high-profile signing of Evenepoel, Red Bull now boasts two riders with the potential to lead a Grand Tour, albeit through different strengths.
A Dual Strategy for Tour Dominance?
This is why Denk's focus isn't on establishing a rigid hierarchy, but on fostering balance. "Our aim is to start with a dual strategy to have more chances," he explained when questioned about leadership. "For me, it is very important that Florian and Remco are happy in this constellation." He sees early-season races, like their joint participation in Catalunya, as crucial testing grounds. "We will see how the battle goes; for now, I am quite calm."
These words underscore the meticulous care Red Bull is taking to manage ambition. Evenepoel arrives as a global superstar, while Lipowitz brings proven credibility from the Tour's most demanding terrain. The plan is not to prematurely anoint a single leader, but to allow performance and circumstances to dictate the path forward.
Why Roglic Isn't Targeting the Tour This Time
This same strategic thinking sheds light on a particularly striking statement from the interview. When discussing Roglic's future, Denk was direct: "That is why we decided not to ride the Tour de France with him, because we want to focus completely on the Vuelta."
This decision isn't a reflection of Roglic's capabilities. Denk praised him as "very professional" and pointed out that his later start in cycling could allow him to compete at the highest level for many more years. He even expressed confidence that Roglic could secure a fifth Vuelta a Espana title with perfect preparation.
However, Red Bull is strategically choosing not to spread its most valuable resources too thinly. With Evenepoel and Lipowitz spearheading the Tour de France project, Roglic becomes the focal point for their Vuelta campaign. This separation allows the team to target two distinct major objectives with full force, rather than diluting their efforts.
A Tour Plan Built on Excitement and Star Power
In essence, Denk's comments paint a picture of a team striving for more than just efficiency. Red Bull's investment has brought not only financial backing but also a fresh perspective. While winning is paramount, the manner of victory, the riders achieving it, and the overall excitement of the project are equally important. It's about crafting a narrative that resonates.
This is why Evenepoel and Lipowitz are central to the Tour de France strategy. One brings immense global recognition and a thrilling, explosive style. The other offers hard-earned credibility from the race that defines cycling legacies. Roglic, rather than being shoehorned into the same ambitious Tour framework, is being given his own dedicated stage later in the season.
Red Bull isn't shying away from their grand ambitions: they crave big races, big names, and unforgettable moments. But, as Denk clearly articulated, their legacy will be built not just on the trophies they collect, but on the spectacular journey they undertake to achieve them.
What do you think about this dual-leader approach for the Tour de France? Is it a recipe for success, or could it lead to internal friction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
