Inside Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe – Tour de France Podcast (English Version)

Tobias Ruf, Korbinian Sautter, OVB Podcast

The podcast “Inside Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe” from ovb-online.de offers exclusive insights into the German cycling team Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe at the Tour de France. Every day, team manager Ralph Denk looks back on the stage and shares behind-the-scenes perspectives on professional cycling. The episode wraps up with a preview of the next stage.

The original version of this podcast was recorded in German and translated with the help of artificial intelligence. OVB Media accepts no liability for any translation errors.

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20 episodes
Updated July 27
20 min on average

Episodes 20

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July 27 · 20 min
Review - "My personal goal remains: I want to win the Tour"
In the current edition, Denk first reports on the 21st and final stage of the 2026 Tour de France. "The images and the race result were impressive. That was pure cycling. We should discuss using this format more often at the Tour and replacing one or two flat stages with it," says the 52-year-old. The team manager then looks back on the 2026 Tour de France. "It was my 13th Tour de France. We’ve already been able to celebrate many good overall results, such as third place with Florian Lipowitz last year. Now we finished second with Remco, which makes us very happy. But my personal goal remains clear: I want to win the Tour de France one day," says a satisfied Denk. Despite the most successful Tour of his long managerial career, there is a tinge of regret. "I missed Florian Lipowitz yesterday. I felt terribly sorry for him. In my opinion, he would have been a clear candidate for the podium, and with him, we most likely would have won the team classification. I hope he comes back stronger and will be able to start at the World Championships," Denk emphasizes. The final section focuses on roster planning and the second half of the season. "We will most likely bring up four rookies from the U23 squad to the professional team. That's a number that makes me very proud," says Denk. Primož Roglič, on the other hand, will be leaving the team. "We will give it everything once more to fight for victory at the Vuelta with him. We are very grateful to him for his time with our team. He won three important stage races for us with the Vuelta, the Volta a Catalunya, and the Critérium du Dauphiné. Primož is a great champion to me and was a vital add-on to the entire project," Denk concludes. Photo: IMAGO / Sirotti
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July 26 · 26 min
Stage 21: “An Incredible Spectacle – Pogacar Is Beatable After All”
The current episode begins with the 21st and final stage of the 2026 Tour de France. “A spectacular finale – it had everything: a Pogacar at his limit, the sprinters fighting back, and an incredible Van der Poel,” is how the hosts sum it up. The Dutchman claims the stage victory he had dreamed of a year earlier, when he missed out on the finale. Sautter and Ruf then look back on the 2026 Tour de France. The episode is structured around five categories: the biggest surprises and disappointments, the most defining stage, the moments that will be remembered, and the things that could be left behind. “Evenepoel’s climbing performance surprised me enormously,” says Ruf, suggesting that the Belgian now has the potential for even greater achievements. “He has put himself in a position where he could win the Tour one day.” But many other remarkable stories also stood out to the podcast hosts, from Florian Lipowitz’s dramatic withdrawal and the Norwegian sensation of Torstein Træen wearing the yellow jersey to the sprinting strength of Max Kanter. The 2026 Tour de France comes to an end for the Inside Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe podcast with a special review episode on Monday, when team manager Ralph Denk reflects on the past three weeks. (Source: ovb-online.de, kos, truf) Photo: Imago/Foto News
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July 25 · 17 min
Stage 20: "We could have taken more risks for the stage victory"
In the latest edition, Denk reflects on Stage 20 of the 2026 Tour de France. “We’re extremely happy with the stage. The whole team did a fantastic job,” says the 52-year-old. “You can debate whether we should have brought Jai Hindley back earlier or whether Remco should have attacked sooner. But our primary objective was to secure second place in the overall classification. We could have taken more risks to go for the stage win. We probably would have done so if we hadn’t already had two stage victories in the bag,” the team manager emphasizes. Asked whether Evenepoel is currently in the best form of his career, Denk replies with a clear “Yes,” adding: “He already finished third in the Tour two years ago. But cycling has evolved tremendously. With the level of performance he showed two years ago, he wouldn’t be standing on the podium today.” The feature segment focuses on the closing celebration in Paris, where Denk shares details about the team’s party at the end of the Tour de France. The final part looks ahead to Stage 21, which will be raced on Sunday. The riders will cover 89 kilometers around Paris. “Remco became Olympic champion on a very similar circuit. But tomorrow, our approach will once again be to get through the stage safely. If an opportunity arises to fight for the stage victory, we’ll take it,” Denk concludes.
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July 24 · 19 min
Stage 19: "Remco was really held up – there could have been even more in it"
A monument in cycling: The mountain finish at Alpe d’Huez – Part 1. This year, the myth is on the schedule twice. Stage 19 was all about the first victory on the famous summit. After the 21 switchbacks, Tadej Pogačar won. "Chapeau to him. That was really, really fast right from the start," says Ralph Denk, team manager of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. The top priority for his team was securing the podium for Remco Evenepoel. This was successful, even though the Belgian was slowed down during his attack. "Remco was really held up – there could have been even more in it," said Denk. Accordingly, the top rider did not know exactly where the barriers began and therefore had to accelerate twice to distance his competitors. Tomorrow, Alpe d’Huez will be ridden again. This time from the other side, including the Col de Galibier. It won't be any easier. "The climb from the other side is significantly narrower. I'm curious to see how the organizers will solve this," says the team manager, who sees the massive effort for the organization and his team. "As beautiful as this cycling festival is here, logistically it's a horror," Denk says, reporting on long queues of trucks fighting their way through the mountains. Photo: Imago/Foto News
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July 23 · 19 min
Stage 18: "We are happy with the day – tomorrow will be a fierce battle"
In the current episode, Denk reports on Stage 18 of the 2026 Tour de France. "The mood in the team is good. That was a very good race from us. Our strategy was to wear out our rivals for the podium to a certain extent. That paid off, we are happy with the day," says the 52-year-old. A wave of illness is sweeping through Pogačar's team, and Denk empathizes. "It's tough when you have to go into the final days so weakened," the team manager emphasizes. However, it has little impact on Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe's tactics. "We aren't the ones who have to make the race hard. Catching up more than four minutes on Pogačar is unrealistic." The background topic focuses on safety in cycling. Denk discusses catch nets on descents, specialized crash training, and how courses and riders' equipment could be made safer. The final part covers Stage 19, which will be ridden on Thursday. 128 kilometers must be covered between Gap and Alpe d’Huez. "Tomorrow, I expect a fierce battle for the podium on this prestigious stage. We will put Remco in position, but in the end, the team leaders will be on their own," Denk concludes. Photo: IMAGO / Photo News
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July 22 · 23 min
Stage 17: "That was pure chaos today – and in the end too hard for Nico"
In the current episode, Denk reports on Stage 17 of the Tour de France 2026. "That was pure chaos today. A lot of different interests collided at once. It was about the Green Jersey, and many teams still have nothing to show for themselves," says the 52-year-old. Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe was represented in the breakaway by two riders. "Nico Denz had a free hand, but in the end, it was too hard for him up front. Jai Hindley had more of a watchdog role. You have to show presence in these large groups and not get put on the defensive," emphasizes the team manager. Florian Lipowitz has already undergone surgery after breaking his collarbone, and Denk provides an update here as well. "Considering the circumstances, he is doing very well. I spoke with him this morning. The disappointment is huge, but he made a calm impression on me and even showed a bit of gallows humor. He is not the first protagonist to leave the Tour de France this way, and certainly not the last." In the background segment, Denk answers various listener questions. Topics include UV protection during stages, the Deutschland Tour in August, a potential Tour start in Berlin in 2029, and TV radio broadcast graphics. The final section focuses on Stage 18, which will be ridden on Thursday. 185 kilometers must be covered between Voiron and Orcières-Merlette. "I don't think the general classification riders will put all their cards on the table tomorrow. We would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach at first," concludes Denk. Photo: IMAGO / Sirotti
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July 21 · 15 min
Stage 16: "He was far too fast in the corner – I feel massively sorry for Florian"
In the current edition, Denk reports on Stage 16 of the Tour de France 2026. "I feel massively sorry for Florian, but also for Remco. He put in a fantastic time trial, but naturally, we aren't really in a stage-winning mood," says the 52-year-old. Denk assesses Lipowitz's crash in clear terms. "Florian was riding absolutely at the limit, including on the previous descent. He was far too fast in the corner. He went in too optimistically; I don't see anyone else to blame. It's a racing incident in the heat of the moment. When there's something at stake, you have to take risks. In this case, it was too much risk," emphasizes the team manager. Denk has only words of praise for the stage winner. "Remco even beat the simulated times. Technically, he did everything right, and the equipment was spot on too. Congratulations to Remco, this is a great victory for us," says Denk, followed by a clear objective: "Second place in the general classification is now the clear target." The final section covers Stage 17, which will be ridden on Wednesday. A distance of 175 kilometers must be covered between Chambéry and Voiron. "I don't believe in a sprint tomorrow; the route is too tough. I expect a breakaway group," Denk concludes. Photo: Imago/Belga
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July 19 · 24 min
15th Stage: "A victory for the whole team - it doesn't get any better than this!"
Remco Evenepoel wins the 15th stage of the Tour de France. The Plateau de Solaison marked the conclusion of the second week of the Tour de France. This time, the tough mountain finish was not for the dominant Tadej Pogačar. Instead, the Belgian from Team Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe was the fastest. "In today's man-to-man battle, he was simply the better rider," says Denk, who describes the success as a victory for the whole team. "It doesn't get any better than this!" An unpleasant scene occurred shortly before the finale. Jonas Vingegaard crashed in a right-hand bend and had to abandon the race. "It looks like a broken collarbone to me. It's a great pity that he has to end the Tour this way," says Denk. Tomorrow is a rest day. On Tuesday, the race continues with a time trial. Despite 400 meters of elevation gain, could this be a specialty for Remco Evenepoel? "He is among the extended circle of favorites," says Denk.
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July 18 · 22 min
Stage 14: "We are fully on track, because today we are only talking about seconds"
As one of the toughest stages, the route to Le Markstein Fellering is on the Tour de France race calendar. Four climbs, three of them category one—a battle primarily for the general classification riders. In the end, Tadej Pogačar takes the victory. Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz lose a bit of time to the podium. "It was a hard stage and both of them fought brilliantly," says team manager Ralph Denk. "We are fully on track, because today we are only talking about seconds." Ultimately, however, Denk expects gaps of minutes. In the background, Ralph Denk talks about the new signing, Remco Evenepoel. What kind of guy is the Belgian? How does he fit into the team, and what are the plans for the future with this exceptional rider? There is no rest on Stage 15. Once again, 4,000 meters of elevation gain must be conquered, including the final climb up to the Plateau de Solaison. "It's going to be incredibly tough before the rest day. I hope our boys are feeling good," says Denk. Photo: Imago/Belga
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July 17 · 20 min
Stage 13: "The mood is a bit somber – but no blame on Maxim van Gils"
Breakaway riders, take note. On the long road to Belfort, many riders fancied their chances. The dominant Tadej Pogačar let them go, and so, at the end of Stage 14, the Swiss rider Mauro Schmid took the victory. Right there in the battle for the win: Maxim van Gils from Team Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. In the end, he finished fourth. "The mood is a bit somber – but no blame on Maxim van Gils," says Ralph Denk, team manager of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. Meanwhile, Tom Pidcock, a prominent name, launched an attack on the overall standings podium. He moved up from eleventh to fourth place. "I never got nervous," Denk says about it. The Briton had simply lost too much time "involuntarily" in the general classification so far. In the background, the focus is on the development of the Raubling-based team's youth. The U19 and U23 categories have become a major priority, especially since Red Bull joined. Denk explains the philosophy behind it and how, in the best-case scenario, the team aims to produce the next Tour winner. On the fourteenth day of the Tour, things get really tough for the riders. Le Markstein Fellering is the name of the mountain finish after four incredibly brutal climbs. A challenge for Team Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe? "It will be a hard battle among the best riders. We want to be right up there with Remco and Florian," says Denk.
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July 16 · 21 min
Stage 12: "The boys are feeling good – but now things are getting really serious"
Last chance for the sprinters on the way to Chalon-sur-Saône. This is what team manager Ralph Denk predicted, and that is exactly how it played out. After a flat stage, Tim Merlier won for the third time already following a frantic finale that included a crash. "He is the strongest sprinter this year," Denk acknowledges without envy. For his team, it was a relatively quiet day. "The mood is good. The boys are feeling good… but there are still plenty of mountains to come, and that’s when things will get really serious," says the team boss. In the background, Denk talks about the sacrifices in cycling. Last year, for example, Jonas Vingegaard spoke of a potential retirement. Denk puts the challenges facing the pros into perspective and explains the biggest differences compared to earlier times. From Dole to Belfort, things are getting hillier. The riders face 2,400 meters of elevation gain and 205 kilometers, with a tough climb at the end. "There could be two races: one at the front for the breakaway, and one for the yellow jersey," says Denk. "For us, it's important that Remco and Florian get through safely."
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July 15 · 23 min
Stage 11: Tour only in August? “I like Pogačar’s proposal”
In the latest edition, Denk reflects on Stage 11 of the 2026 Tour de France. “The way the stage unfolded was exactly what I expected, but not the finale. The fact that the sprint teams only managed to organize themselves so late is, for me, a clear indication that everyone is already completely exhausted. Normally, that happens much earlier,” says the 52-year-old. At Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, all riders reached the finish safely and without any issues. “The medical data also looks good, and all key indicators are in the green,” emphasizes the team manager. The feature story focuses on Tadej Pogačar’s proposal to revolutionize the racing calendar. Denk is clearly enthusiastic about the idea. “I think it’s great that such an icon is addressing this so openly. If the riders support it, a Tour de France in August is certainly conceivable. The Spring Classics have to stay, but everything else should be open for discussion.” The final part looks ahead to Stage 12, which will take place on Thursday. The riders will cover 180 kilometers between Magny-Cours and Chalon-sur-Saône. “The sprinters don’t have many opportunities left in this Tour. I think we’ll see another bunch sprint tomorrow,” Denk concludes. Photo: IMAGO / Photo News
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July 14 · 22 min
Stage 10: "Remco nearly paid a high price for his bravery."
In the latest edition, Denk talks about the tenth stage of the 2026 Tour de France. "It was a very good day for us, and we are completely satisfied with the team's performance. In my opinion, the chasing group could even have caught Pogacar if they had worked together well," the 52-year-old said. "Remco invested an enormous amount during the decisive phase and almost paid a high price for it. He struggled on the final climb, which was a consequence of the intense work he had done beforehand. That's what defines him overall. He is not satisfied with finishing second," the team manager emphasized. Denk has nothing but praise for both team leaders, including Florian Lipowitz. "He's doing an outstanding job. Also, the way he now handles the media is impressive. From a sporting perspective, he has tremendous power and a great deal of talent. Right now we're talking about seconds, but in the third week it will be about minutes. I have a very good feeling about Florian." The final part focuses on the eleventh stage, which will be raced on Wednesday. The riders will cover 161 kilometers between Vichy and Nevers. "I expect a bunch sprint. The general classification riders will be grateful if it's a bit calmer for them," Denk concluded. Photo: IMAGO / Sirotti
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July 12 · 19 min
Stage 9: “We burned our powder too early – It didn't look good.”
In the latest edition, Denk reflects on the ninth stage of the 2026 Tour de France. “We expected a classic breakaway to form, but things turned out differently. We wanted Maxim van Gils to make that break and went all in right from the start. But the breakaway never really came together, so we spent our energy relatively early,” says the 52-year-old. “The fact that Remco and Florian were isolated was far from ideal. That's something we need to discuss internally as a team. You can't prioritize a potential stage win over the overall classification. It worked out in the end, but it didn't look good. I can understand why the fans were unhappy,” the team manager emphasizes. The final part looks ahead to Stage 10, which will take place on Tuesday. The riders will cover 166 kilometers from Aurillac to Le Lioran. “I'm firmly expecting a day for the general classification contenders and a race of attrition. If Remco and Florian are feeling good, we can certainly try something,” Denk concludes.
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July 11 · 21 min
Stage 8: "Everyone is fit – I hope lots of hands go up"
In the latest edition, Denk reflects on the eighth stage of the 2026 Tour de France. "I expected a larger breakaway group. But in the end, we also lacked the crosswinds needed to make the race more difficult," says the 52-year-old. "We came through the stage well, and everyone in the team is fit. After eight days, that's by no means something you can take for granted," emphasizes the team manager. The background feature focuses on the Tour de France's media infrastructure. Denk explains the enormous logistical effort on site, the media work involving the riders, and provides insights into a special project run by his team. The final section looks ahead to the ninth stage, which will be raced on Sunday. The riders will cover 185 kilometers from Malemort to Ussel. "I'd say there's an 80 percent chance that a breakaway will make it tomorrow. We'll talk to our riders later today. I hope lots of hands go up from riders who want to be part of the breakaway tomorrow," Denk concludes.
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July 10 · 21 min
Stage 7: "Everyone loves each other and we are focusing on racing"
In the current edition, Denk reports on the seventh stage of the 2026 Tour de France. "We saw a mass sprint in Bordeaux, which became apparent relatively early on. To be honest, I am a bit surprised by the passivity of some teams. In my opinion, those who don't have a general classification contender or an absolute top sprinter in their ranks should be risking much more," says the 52-year-old. "When we were starting with a wildcard in our early years, Tour director Christian Prudhomme told me clearly that he wanted to see something from us. He didn't expect victories, but he made it clear that we should help shape the race," Denk reports. Meanwhile, the drama surrounding Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz is water under the bridge. "That's no longer an issue for us. Everyone loves each other and we are focusing on racing," the team manager emphasizes. The final section is about the eighth stage, which will be ridden on Saturday. A distance of 180 kilometers must be covered between Périgueux and Bergerac. "I’m not sure if we’ll see another mass sprint. I would put the chances at 60 to 40," Denk concludes. Photo: IMAGO / Photo News
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July 9 · 12 min
Stage 6: "We have nothing to reproach ourselves for – Vingegaard is not much better"
Late at night and after an exhausting day, team manager Ralph Denk analyzes the sixth stage. With over 4,000 meters of climbing, the Col du Tourmalet, and a mountain finish, it was a brutal day at the office. An attack by Tadej Pogačar 42 kilometers before the finish put the top riders under intense pressure. "The pace was fast right from the start, and we made small mistakes," Denk says, referring to an poorly-timed bathroom break by Remco Evenepoel. For Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, the day ended in the chasing group behind Vingegaard and Pogačar. "We have nothing to reproach ourselves for. We can be satisfied with that," Denk says. "I think Jonas Vingegaard is not much better overall. The battle behind first place is wide open," the team boss emphasizes. The seventh stage promises to be a bit quieter for the general classification favorites. On the way to Bordeaux, there will be another opportunity for the pure sprinters. "We hope the wind plays along, making it a calmer stage for us," Denk says. Photo: IMAGO / Photo News
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July 8 · 18 min
Stage 5: "Days just like these are exactly when you can lose the Tour"
Team Manager Ralph Denk talks on the podcast about the fifth stage of the Tour de France, where everything was set up for a bunch sprint. A short route without much of a profile was under the continuous control of the sprinters' teams. In the end, Olav Kooij from Team Decathlon took the victory. "He is a big name. But I would have also loved to see the German Max Kanter win it on his Tour debut," says Denk. For Red Bull BORA-hansgrohe, the day went smoothly. "We warned, warned, and warned them. Don't fool around. Because days just like these are exactly when you can lose the Tour," says the team boss. However, his riders stayed focused and made it through the stage without any incidents. In the background, Denk talks about how the riders prepare for the climate conditions. Heat training in a painter's suit, adaptation in the sauna. The team boss provides exclusive insights into their training. While the sprinters celebrate, the climbing specialists are already looking ahead to the sixth stage. The Col du Tourmalet is part of a grueling route through the Pyrenees, finishing with a mountain arrival. "Like most teams probably, we will react to whatever Team UAE does, in order to stay in contention for as long as possible," Denk announces. Photo: IMAGO / Photo News Giveaway on our Instagram account @inside.tourdefrancepodcast. Here is how you secure your chance to win the jersey: Like the corresponding post Tag a friend in the comments who would also love to have the jersey! Feel free to follow these accounts: @inside.tourdefrancepodcast, @rosenheim24, @ovb_heimatzeitungen
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July 7 · 20 min
Stage 4: "We had a different goal – but you can't always get what you want"
Team manager Ralph Denk talks on the podcast about the fourth stage of the Tour de France, which was once again dominated by the battle against the weather. This time in the spotlight: Jan Tratnik and Nico Denz, who both made it into the breakaway. "Actually, we wanted to get Maxim Van Gils into the group. But he didn't stand a chance. So we actually had a different goal – but you can't always get what you want," says Denk. In the end, Denmark's Mads Pedersen secured the victory. Norway's Torstein Traeen takes over the Yellow Jersey from Tadej Pogačar—with the latter's consent. "As predicted, he wanted to give up the jersey. I am very happy that Torstein Traeen got it," says the team boss. Traeen went through a long period of suffering, having battled cancer during his career. Additionally, there is personnel news. Jai Hindley has officially extended his contract long-term. The 2022 Giro winner will thus remain with the team beyond his fifth season. "He is very important to us from several perspectives. He won the 2022 Giro, which was a milestone for us. He can also ride for us both as a leader and as a domestique," Denk says of the Australian. Finally, the team boss looks ahead to the fifth day of the Tour. At first glance, the route between Lannemezan and Pau does not hold many challenges for the riders. So, is this the first good opportunity for the sprinters? "The teams that fancy their chances will control the peloton tomorrow. Because the sprinters have really had to fight so far," says Denk. Photo: IMAGO / Belga
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July 6 · 14 min
Stage 3: “Last year he was close to tears – today he handles it brilliantly”
In the latest episode, Denk reflects on Stage 3 of the 2026 Tour de France. “It was incredibly hot today, which made the race extremely tough. The boss, Tadej Pogačar, was determined to win and was simply the strongest rider in the sprint,” says the 52-year-old. The team manager is particularly impressed by the development of co-leader Florian Lipowitz. “I remember last year when Florian was close to tears at the beginning. Things didn’t go the way he had imagined. This year, he has handled the opening days brilliantly. I spoke to him earlier and he feels really good. That makes us very optimistic about the days ahead,” Denk explains. Denk also had special praise for key domestique Jai Hindley. “On the final climb, he positioned Florian and Remco in world-class fashion,” he says. Assessing Evenepoel’s performance from a broader perspective, Denk adds: “He wasn’t as punchy as we’ve seen him before. I spoke to him as well. He hasn’t raced for a long time, and that kind of race intensity is difficult to replicate in training. That’s why he couldn’t match Pogačar. But he felt good, and we’re looking ahead with confidence,” concludes the Raubling native. The final part looks ahead to Stage 4, which will be raced on Tuesday. The riders will cover 182 kilometers from Carcassonne to Foix. “We’ve now had three days in which the strongest riders and teams have been at the front. That’s why I expect a breakaway group tomorrow. We certainly have options, but our plan hasn’t been finalized yet,” Denk concludes.
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