In the lead-up to the 2025 Tour de France, Dan Lorang, the head of performance for the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe cycling team, has openly expressed his apprehensions regarding the formidable challenge posed by Tadej Pogacar, the star rider from UAE Emirates-XRG. As the cycling world gears up for the iconic race scheduled from July 5 to July 27, 2025, Pogacar has emerged as the odds-on favorite. His exceptional prowess on the bike, combined with a series of significant victories this season, has made him a daunting rival for any competitor.
Pogacar’s current form is nothing short of spectacular, as he has already claimed victories in esteemed races like the UAE Tour, Strade Bianche, Tour of Flanders, La Fleche Wallone, and the monumental Liege-Bastogne-Liege. His triumph at the Criterium du Dauphine, where he showcased his dominance over fellow elite cyclist Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike, served as a stark reminder of his capabilities as he prepares to defend his yellow jersey in the Tour de France. The results of the Dauphine were particularly significant, illustrating Pogacar’s strength and adaptability against a notable rival.
Yet, despite Lorang’s recognition of Pogacar’s superiority, he believes that the team must employ a strategic approach to compete effectively. “We have to admit that Pogacar is one level above,” Lorang stated decisively, emphasizing the reality that mere reliance on following Pogacar is unlikely to yield results. He acknowledged the constant struggles faced by other competitors to keep pace with Pogacar’s relentless drive and tempo during races. Lorang further emphasized the need for tactical ingenuity from his squad, noting that they must explore unique strategies and capitalize on team dynamics.
This sentiment was echoed in their recent experiences. Throughout the Dauphine, Vingegaard attempted several attacks to shake off Pogacar, yet each effort was met with Pogacar’s impressive ability to respond and maintain pace. Unlike previous encounters where Vingegaard prevailed due to his climbing strengths, Pogacar’s readiness to seize control on the climbs this time illustrated a shift in how the competition is evolving. His ability to execute seemingly impossible feats with apparent ease has left many observers in awe, but the mixed dynamics of cycling remind everyone that no athlete is infallible.
Lorang indicated that while Pogacar does have vulnerabilities, particularly in time trials, any rival who aspires to dethrone him must form a comprehensive plan. “What we can do is ride smart as a team, aiming to optimize our strengths during critical moments,” he noted. Utilizing numbers effectively during the race will be key. Lorang emphasized the importance of the team performing collectively, as a strong tactical move can sometimes shift the race in their favor and counteract Pogacar’s impact on the competition.
Despite the cautious optimism within Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Lorang admits that the prospects for notable surprises may be slim this year. “Every team has to adapt and innovate, but it feels like there won’t be so many surprises this year,” he remarked with an air of levity amid the pressure. In the competitive world of professional cycling, where every detail matters, teams often find humor as a survival mechanism amidst the intense rivalry and challenges.
For fans and cycling enthusiasts, all the action of the 2025 Tour de France can be witnessed live on platforms such as TNT Sports and discovery+, promising to deliver exhilarating coverage of this epic sporting event as athletes strive for glory on the world stage. As the countdown begins, one can only wonder who will rise to the occasion and challenge Pogacar’s dominance in the most prestigious cycling event of the year.
