German cyclist Florian Lipowitz has said he was surprised to receive a congratulatory message from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after his third-place finish at the Tour de France. "It's crazy that the chancellor congratulated me," he told the Bild newspaper.
German cyclist Florian Lipowitz has said he was surprised to receive a congratulatory message from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after his third-place finish at the Tour de France.
"It's crazy that the chancellor congratulated me," he told the Bild newspaper.
Lipowitz finished behind four-time winner Tadej Pogacar and ex-champion Jonas Vingegaard in his debut at the Tour which ended on Sunday. He also claimed the white jersey for best young rider.
Lipowitz is the first German on the final Tour podium since Andreas Klöden in 2006.
"It's also nice to see that cycling is being promoted in Germany again and that the enthusiasm is there. A chancellor can make a difference with a post like this. Simply super cool!" Lipowitz said.
Merz was among those to congratulate Lipowitz after this year's edition of the Tour ended last Sunday.
"A sensational German success at the Tour de France. Congratulations, Florian Lipowitz on an outstanding third place," Merz said on platform X, adding that he had "thrilled many cycling fans across the country."
Category: General Sports
