The cycling community was shaken to its core when German legend Jens Voigt publicly dismissed Primož Roglic and Remco Evenepoel from Red Bull’s projected 2026 lineup. His words hit like thunder.
During a fiery press conference in Berlin, Voigt shouted passionately, “Germany needs Lipowitz, not traitors!” His declaration instantly went viral, sparking outrage and applause across Europe.
Voigt praised 23-year-old German prodigy Felix Lipowitz as “the new heartbeat of modern cycling,” claiming he embodied the discipline and courage that the sport had lost in recent years.
He contrasted Lipowitz’s rising dominance with Roglic and Evenepoel’s “inconsistent loyalty,” referring to their team changes and commercial priorities as signs of betrayal to true racing values. The audience gasped as Voigt accused both riders of “chasing money, not glory.” His tone was sharp, unfiltered, and reminiscent of the fiery speeches that once defined his own racing career.
Within minutes, Roglic’s camp released a brief, icy response. The Slovenian champion reportedly uttered seven bitter words that reignited the entire controversy: “He talks loud, but rides nothing now.”
Those words spread like wildfire. Social media exploded, with fans debating whether Roglic’s jab was justified or disrespectful toward a veteran who helped shape modern cycling’s identity.
Evenepoel, typically more diplomatic, posted a cryptic message on X: “Respect builds legends. Arrogance buries them.” The post gathered over 200,000 likes within hours, deepening the feud.
Cycling forums turned chaotic, flooded with memes, nationalist arguments, and emotional debates about loyalty, legacy, and Red Bull’s growing influence over the professional peloton.
German fans rallied behind Voigt, chanting his famous phrase “Shut up, legs!” online, while others warned that his aggressive remarks could isolate him from the sport’s global leadership circles.
Red Bull’s management remained silent, though insiders hinted that the 2026 team structure may indeed prioritize Lipowitz, signaling a generational shift toward younger, homegrown talent.
Analysts described the conflict as “the most explosive cultural clash in cycling since Armstrong’s era,” merging patriotism, ego, and sponsorship politics into one combustible spectacle.
By late evening, UCI announced an emergency meeting to discuss “unsportsmanlike conduct and potential reputational damage,” citing the rapid escalation between top-tier riders and a public icon.
Reporters in Lausanne said UCI officials fear that tensions could disrupt upcoming WorldTour events, especially if fan hostility spills onto race grounds in Germany, Belgium, or France.
Meanwhile, Lipowitz himself appeared shocked by the drama. In an interview, he said softly, “I just want to ride. I respect them all. This shouldn’t become a war.”
His calm words only added contrast to the fiery storm around him. For now, the world watches a sport divided—between past heroes, future stars, and the battle for respect on two wheels.
