Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (15239897x) Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates and former cyclist Allan Peiper pictured at the start of the men's race of the 'Ronde van Vlaanderen/ Tour des Flandres/ Tour of Flanders' one day cycling race, 268,9km from Brugge to Oudenaarde, Sunday 06 April 2025. Cycling Ronde Van Vlaanderen Race Men, Brugge, Belgium - 06 Apr 2025
Australian cycling veteran Allan Peiper is set to make a significant return to the sport in 2026, joining Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as a strategic advisor. The team confirmed his appointment on Monday, marking Peiper’s comeback after a hiatus due to cancer treatment.
Peiper, a former professional cyclist, previously served as the lead sports director for UAE Team Emirates, where he played a pivotal role in the early career of Tadej Pogačar. Known for his strategic acumen, Peiper is often credited with helping shape Pogačar into one of cycling’s most formidable competitors.
From Recovery to a New Challenge
After stepping away from full-time cycling in 2021 to focus on his recovery from prostate cancer, the 65-year-old is now poised to lend his expertise to another rising star, Remco Evenepoel, at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. Peiper’s career as a director began in 2005, with stints at T-Mobile and BMC Racing before his tenure at UAE Team Emirates starting in 2019.
His new role at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe will not be a full-time directorship but rather a strategic advisory position. According to a Red Bull press release, Peiper will contribute his “strategic expertise and extensive experience, helping the team translate its vision into a clear sporting strategy and actionable plans.”
Strategic Vision and Innovation
The team lauded Peiper for his “strong sense of innovation and a genuine winning mindset,” qualities that have been instrumental in both his professional achievements and his personal battle against cancer. Peiper will collaborate closely with the team’s new Chief of Sports, Zak Dempster, who joins from Ineos Grenadiers, as they usher in the Evenepoel era.
“I’m very excited to be part of this project,” Peiper expressed. “Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe has made impressive progress in recent years, and I see great potential to strengthen this structure even further. It’s about living a clear sporting vision and turning it into daily performance – that’s what drives me.”
Building a Strategic Core
For Zak Dempster, Peiper’s addition is a valuable enhancement to the strategic core he is assembling, which includes former Ineos colleague Oli Cookson and ex-Belgian national coach Sven Vanthourenhout. “Allan brings a unique combination of experience, strategic thinking, and humanity,” Dempster noted. “Throughout his career, he has proven his ability to shape teams and inspire riders. His external perspective will be a tremendous asset to our sports department.”
Implications for the Future
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, as the team seeks to solidify its position among the elite in professional cycling. With Peiper’s strategic insights and the leadership of Dempster, the team aims to harness Evenepoel’s potential and build a robust foundation for future successes.
As Peiper returns to the cycling world, his journey from recovery to strategic leadership serves as a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The cycling community will be watching closely as Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe embarks on this new chapter, driven by a blend of seasoned expertise and youthful ambition.
