Roglic presumably in shambles?.
I suppose, but it seems a bit weird to me that they go for Remco when Lipowitz is arguably as big a GT talent…
I’ve seen a few people saying this and I’m not sure what it’s based on. Remco has won the Vuelta as well as equalling Lipowitz’s best performance at the Tour de France, has been World Champion in both the road race and twice in the time trial, won both at the Olympics last year and has multiple classic and monument wins to his name. Lipowitz is only a few months younger and hasn’t won anything of note, and he is unlikely to have anywhere near the same level of success given he does not have a clear point of difference to his competitors, compared to Remco who is the best time trialist in the world.
To me, Evenepoel looks like he’s maxing out his potential, whereas Lipowitz seems like he’s just starting to improve.
I’m not arguing that Evenepoel does not have better results, he clearly has and is a fine rider, but I don’t think he can improve enough to beat Pogacar and Vingegaard. Lipowitz and to some degree Ayuso seem like they might be able to.
Would you be saying the same if Lipowitz hadn’t made the podium at the Tour de France this year due to Evenepoel’s injury and withdrawal?
Maybe not 🙂 but that did happen, so…
Well I guess we will see what the future holds for him. First he’ll need to prove his good enough to win a lesser Grand Tour against the second-tier GC guys, as I’m sure Evenepoel will get priority at the Tour de France.
Tbh, I don’t think any of the riders currently on our radar stand a chance agains Pogacar and Vingegaard when they’re in top shape. But that’s how we always think, and then some unknown young rider comes along and beats everyone.
Of the current second-tier riders I think Lipowitz and Ayuso have the most potential, but I am not saying Evenepoel does not deserve captaincy in the Tour. In fact, I think the mountains in the tour suit him better than the mountains in the Vuelta which he’s already won, so…
But - I like him better as a rouleur and TT-phenomenon, so it’s fine with me if he sticks to that. Not much chance of that now he’s gone to Red Bull, though.
Will be interesting to see how next year’s tours play out, I assume if Roglic is still in the mix that they will be supporting each other. Obviously Roglic probably only has a year or two left in the tank
