Red Bull–BORA land Pogacar insider for Evenepoel project; Lidl–Trek taps Red Bull staff

Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe announced on Monday that Allan Peiper is rejoining the WorldTour staff. The 65‑year‑old Australian — long a trusted adviser of Tadej Pogačar at UAE Team Emirates — stepped away from that front‑line role in 2021 due to cancer, but now returns with fresh ambition as a Strategic Advisor to the Sports Department at the team of Pogacars rival, Remco Evenepoel.

Peiper’s résumé as sports director and performance manager stretches back to 2005, with stints at Davitamon–Lotto, T‑Mobile, Columbia–HTC, Garmin–Sharp and BMC. After moving to UAE, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer; in 2021 metastases were found in a lung and bones.

He remained connected to Pogačar’s team in an advisory capacity. “The cancer treatment I’ve undergone these past six years has taken an enormous mental and physical toll. Right now I feel I can’t do the job the way I want to,” Peiper said at the time in 2021.

The team’s press release does not specify Peiper’s current health situation, but accompanying images show him looking fit. In his new role as Strategic Advisor, Peiper will support Chief of Sports Zak Dempster and the various performance units to help strengthen and align the team’s philosophy.

"Allan brings not only a wealth of knowledge and experience, but also a strong sense of innovation and a genuine winning mindset – qualities that have also defined his personal battle against cancer", the statement proudly reads.

“Allan brings a unique combination of experience, strategic thinking and humanity. Throughout his career, he has proven his ability to shape teams and inspire riders. His external perspective will be a tremendous asset to our sports department.” said Zak Dempster, who himself moved from INEOS Grenadiers to Red Bull after last season.

Peiper added: "I’m very excited to be part of this project. Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe has made impressive progress in recent years, and I see great potential to strengthen this structure even further. It’s about living a clear sporting vision and turning it into daily performance – that’s what drives me."

While Red Bull has been adding big names like Dempster and now Peiper — and has already brought in sports directors Sven Vanthourenhout, Klaas Lodewyck and Tony Gallopin from elsewhere — there have also been outgoings. Rolf Aldag departed in late July, and Enrico Gasparotto left for Bahrain Victorious.

On Monday Lidl–Trek announced the arrival of Bernhard Eisel as sports director. The 44‑year‑old Austrian had spent the past four years as a sporting director at Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe. Earlier this autumn, Visma | Lease a Bike hired Gaëtan Pons from Unibet Tietema Rockets, and Matt White moved from Jayco AlUla to Movistar as their new head of sport.