It is a success that will go down in the history of the team: Florian Lipowitz scored his first stage race win of the season and the first win for the team under its new name "Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe". The 23-year-old won the Sibiu Cycling Tour ahead of Andreas Leknessund and George Bennett.
Florian Lipowitz:
“I came to the Sibiu Tour without expectations and now I'm very happy to go home with a win. The team did a great job here, especially on yesterday's long mountain-top finish. I knew the climb from last year and knew I could still sprint at the end. That's why we waited relatively long and Sergio did a real leadout in the finale. Today it was hectic again at the start. We worked very well as a team and controlled the race - everyone did their job perfectly. That's why I'm happy to reward the work of my teammates with this victory.”
Lipowitz laid the foundations for his victory on the opening stage. He showed his climbing skills on the long climb to Păltiniș and was only defeated in a photo finish. Lipowitz had to make up four bonus seconds in the last few days. He already made up one second in the short time trial on Saturday.
Yesterday's queen stage was used by the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team to attack the yellow jersey. The 207-kilometer stage led to the mountaintop finish at Bâlea Lac, which sits at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. Thanks to a strong team performance, Lipowitz was able to distance himself from his rivals and take the lead.
With the yellow jersey on his shoulders, Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe controlled today's final stage and defended his lead confidently. In addition to the general classification, Lipowitz also took out the mountain classification.
Photos: Focus Photos Agency