Remco Evenepoel Dominates Time Trial, Tadej Pogačar Defends Yellow Jersey as Florian Lipowitz Crashes Out
by Radiociclismo Reporter
Remco Evenepoel puts on a masterclass against the clock to win Stage 16 in 32'19". Tadej Pogačar limits the damage to maintain his overall GC lead. Meanwhile, bitter news strikes Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe as Florian Lipowitz is forced to abandon following a heavy crash resulting in a broken collarbone.
Remco Evenepoel Dominates Time Trial, Tadej Pogačar Defends Yellow Jersey as Florian Lipowitz Crashes Out An incredible display of speed in today's time trial: Evenepoel flies at over 48 km/h while Pogačar stays in firm control. Florian Lipowitz suffers a bitter exit following a high-speed crash. Stage Report A pure display of power and aerodynamic perfection: Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe) convincingly took victory in today's individual time trial, stopping the clock at an impressive 32:19.33 with an average speed of 48.450 km/h. Overall race leader Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) rode a tactical race to minimize risks, crossing the finish line in second place (+0:28.36). Denmark's Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl - Trek) rounded out the stage podium in third (+1'04"), while young prodigy Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM Team) impressed with an outstanding fourth-place finish (+1'16"). Drama for Florian Lipowitz: High-Speed Crash and Broken Collarbone Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe's celebration of Evenepoel's stage win was overshadowed by tragedy for Florian Lipowitz. The German rising star, who sat 5th in the General Classification and was actively contesting for a final podium spot, lost control on a fast downhill bend and crashed heavily into the barriers. Medical assessments confirmed that Lipowitz suffered a fractured collarbone in the fall, making it impossible for him to continue the stage and forcing an immediate abandonment. It is a severe blow for both the rider and his team heading into the final Alpine battle. Top 5 Stage Results 1. Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe) — 32:19.33 (48.450 km/h) 2. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) — +0:28.36 (47.751 km/h) 3. Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl - Trek) — +1:04.31 (46.895 km/h) 4. Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM Team) — +1:16.54 (46.610 km/h) 5. Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) — +1:21.35 (46.499 km/h) General Classification Impact Despite Evenepoel's blistering performance, Tadej Pogačar retains a comfortable advantage of 4 minutes and 32 seconds at the top of the General Classification. Mexican talent Isaac Del Toro holds third place overall (+6'51"), followed by Paul Seixas (+7'11") and Juan Ayuso (+9'22").
