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Red Bull boss downplays conflict after Evenepoel's outburst
🇩🇰 Denmark /Conflict & Security

Red Bull boss downplays conflict after Evenepoel's outburst

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Red Bull team director Zak Dempster downplayed a conflict between cyclists Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz after Evenepoel expressed frustration over not receiving support for third place on a Tour de France stage.
  • Dempster stated that the riders discussed the issue and resolved it, emphasizing that such frustrations can occur in high-stakes competition and that the team is focused on moving forward.
  • The team maintains that having two climbing captains, Evenepoel and Lipowitz, is a strategic advantage despite the potential for internal friction.

Tensions flared briefly within the Red Bull cycling team during the Tour de France when star rider Remco Evenepoel voiced anger at teammate Florian Lipowitz. Evenepoel was visibly disappointed after finishing fourth on a mountain stage, believing Lipowitz should have helped him secure third place.

They spoke together when we got back to the hotel. Everything is fine.

— Zak DempsterRed Bull team director Zak Dempster confirming the resolution of a conflict between riders Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz.

Following the stage, Evenepoel indicated the matter would be addressed. Team director Zak Dempster confirmed that the riders spoke upon returning to the hotel and that the situation is now resolved. "Everything is fine," Dempster stated before the next stage.

We had third place within reach, and Remco wanted to take that third place, but he finished fourth, so he was frustrated. Things like that happen. We have talked about it, and the Tour de France goes on.

— Zak DempsterExplaining the cause of Remco Evenepoel's frustration and the team's approach to handling such incidents.

"We had third place within reach, and Remco wanted to take that third place, but he finished fourth, so he was frustrated. Things like that happen," Dempster explained. He stressed that the team is composed of humans and that Evenepoel's comments were made in the heat of the moment. "What's important to me is how they are together and how we handle these things internally. It's a process we are constantly improving. If we want to be at the front and fight for important results, this is part of it."

We are all human beings.

— Zak DempsterDescribing the human element behind rider frustrations during intense competition.

Dempster defended the team's strategy of having two climbing captains, Evenepoel and Lipowitz, calling it a strong position. He acknowledged that while the ideal tactic might be to follow a rival like Tadej Pogacar, it's not always possible, making having multiple strong riders beneficial. The team now looks ahead to a flat stage likely to end in a mass sprint, offering the riders a chance to focus on the road ahead.

What's important to me is how they are together and how we handle these things internally. It's a process we are constantly improving. If we want to be at the front and fight for important results, this is part of it.

— Zak DempsterEmphasizing the team's internal conflict resolution and continuous improvement process.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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