Lipowitz knows 2026 will be different with Evenepoel joining, but says: "None of it was a coincidence"

He didn't win this year, but Lipowitz's performances in both the major and minor tours were more than impressive. He surprised friends and foes alike every time, culminating in a podium finish – and the white jersey – in the Tour de France. The German turned 25 in September; there is still plenty of growth potential in the climber, who is now already in his off-season.

That was more than welcome. “To be honest, it's a relief,” Lipowitz says on his team's website. “Right after the races in Canada, we decided to bring the off-season forward by three weeks. Now I can finally take care of all the things that never fit in during the year. And it feels great to clear my head completely.”

As impressive as his performances were, 2025 was both a stressful and beautiful year. “During the season, everything is scheduled – racing, training, recovery. There’s hardly any space to switch off. Now I have time to ride without purpose, or not ride at all. This kind of mental recovery is just as important as the physical rest.”

“Many moments that were both rewarding and unfamiliar,” the German reflects. "It was only a few weeks ago that I really processed what had happened this year. The results give me confidence that none of it was coincidence – that the hard training and all those weeks away from home truly paid off. At the same time, the sudden attention was something new for me. Learning to handle that while staying grounded is part of the process."

What is Lipowitz looking forward to now that the season is over? "To everyday life. To family, friends, and having time without thinking about watts, food scales, or stage profiles. I’m looking forward to being at home, maybe taking a spontaneous trip somewhere, without checking a training plan first. It sounds simple, but that kind of freedom is a real luxury during the season."

So, it's time to recharge and enjoy life for the German star. But he knows that winter always flies by very quickly. That doesn't have to be a bad thing: Lipowitz hopes to take new steps next year, with Remco Evenepoel at his side. “And at the same time, I can already feel the anticipation for next year building – but this time with completely fresh energy."