“The wish is to win the Tour”
Euphoria among the German cycling team after Red Bull joined
January 11, 2024, 9:43 a.m
Red Bull’s entry into German cycling is now just a formality. Team boss Ralph Denk sees this as a benefit for the entire sport. Former professional Rolf Aldag is also enthusiastic. He particularly sees the opportunities for the German team.
The takeover of the German cycling team Bora-hansgrohe by Red Bull is a quantum leap for team boss Ralph Denk. “We have to see what evolution looks like in cycling. Red Bull has shown in other sports that they can make the difference,” said the 50-year-old. For his team, the commitment is the next big step.
The beverage company’s takeover of 51 percent of the racing team should get the green light by the end of the month. Objections can still be lodged with the Austrian Federal Competition Authority until January 26th, but this is not expected. After Formula 1 and football, the company will invest in cycling, another global sport.
Denk himself is not afraid of being forced out of the team he founded as a result of the takeover. “I know Red Bull from other projects and I’m not afraid,” said the Bavarian. Rather, it is a partnership of equals. So far, Bora-hansgrohe’s budget is just under 25 million euros. With Red Bull’s involvement, the amount is likely to increase noticeably. According to reports, the UAE and Ineos teams have the largest budgets in cycling at around 50 million euros.
“Whatever it happens to be, it will be fine.”
Despite the new donor, Denk repeated his call for regulations, whether these be budget or salary caps. “My opinion hasn’t changed,” emphasized Denk. “It’s much better for the sport and the fan if there are 10 or 15 teams fighting for overall victory.” That’s why limits would make sense, as this has also been shown in other sports.
Former professional cyclist Rolf Aldag is also looking forward to the new majority owner. “We’re super happy and looking forward to it without knowing the details. Where Red Bull was involved, things never actually went downhill, only uphill,” said the team’s sporting director. We know, Aldag explained, “this is a very committed company in sport – with big goals. That’s why we see great opportunities in the long term.” However, the 55-year-old was unable to provide any more detailed information about the status of the negotiations: “We don’t have a concrete plan, we’re a bit like ‘Yay, whatever it’s going to be, it’s going to be good’.”
Roglic changes the team
Bora-hansgrohe starts the season with top driver Primoz Roglic. The Slovenian left the top team Jumbo-Visma after last season to step out of the shadow of Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard. The 34-year-old’s arrival also changes the role of German driver Lennard Kämna.
That’s why Kämna probably won’t start at the Tour de France – but at the Giro. Nevertheless, the tour of France “doesn’t seem to be completely off the table”. For Kämna, the changes caused by Roglic’s arrival are “more than normal”.
The 34-year-old’s new impulses “really went completely through the team” and he has already “had a big impact,” said Bora sports director Rolf Aldag. “Primoz is a very open guy and talks about things.” This could range from mechanic work to physio work. The three-time Vuelta winner is “very strong in making the team better and questioning things in a positive way,” said Aldag. Together with Roglic, Bora wants to advance into new spheres. “The desire is of course to win the Tour de France,” said the sports director.