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