Stage 11: "The Tour is becoming more aggressive – riders have to cope with that"

In the latest edition, Denk reports on the eleventh stage of the 2025 Tour de France. "Florian Lipowitz did a great job again today, and Primoz Roglic was well-positioned on the final climb. The team handled it excellently," said the 51-year-old. Instead of a relaxed roll towards the Pyrenees, it was another very eventful stage. "The Tour de France is becoming increasingly aggressive. The stages are noticeably shorter compared to the past. That increases the speed and intensity. It's not always enjoyable for the riders, but they have to endure it," Denk analyzes. That the peloton waited after Tadej Pogacar’s crash is explained by an unwritten rule in cycling. "If a general classification contender crashes or has a mechanical issue, the group usually waits. The riders do this intuitively." The final part focuses on Stage 12, which will take place on Thursday. The Tour has reached the Pyrenees, and the first major mountain stage is ahead. 180 kilometers will be ridden from Auch to Hautacam. "I firmly believe Pogacar’s team won’t let a breakaway group get through. The best of the best will fight for the win," Denk concludes. 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. Photo: IMAGO/POOL LUCA BETTINI