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