A New Chapter, Not a New Team

Recent speculation linking Primož Roglič to a ‍potential move to Movistar has been quelled, with the Slovenian star confirming⁤ his commitment to Red⁤ Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. Roglič, currently⁢ under contract for‍ another year, addressed the rumors following the ⁤announcement that Remco Evenepoel will be joining the team.This move initially ‍raised questions about Roglič’s⁣ position as ‍team leader.

“I am happy with his arrival, he is⁢ special,” Roglič told Hey Told Nieuwsblad on ⁣Sunday.”Remco has already⁤ won quite a few races so I hope that together we can achieve great things.” He⁤ expressed optimism about a collaborative future with Evenepoel, stating, “Hopefully we can ‍achieve ‍beautiful things together.”

A Decorated Career, A Lingering Tour de France Dream

Roglič’s career boasts‍ impressive ⁣Grand Tour victories, including the ⁢2023 Giro d’Italia and the 2022 Vuelta a España. However, the Tour de France remains the elusive prize. He came agonizingly close in 2020, leading the ⁢race for a meaningful portion before⁢ losing the ⁤yellow jersey in a dramatic final-day time trial‍ to compatriot Tadej ‍Pogačar.

Subsequent ‍Tours have been marred by crashes, forcing his withdrawal in 2021, 2022, and 2024.⁢ Despite a ⁣challenging 2024 Tour, where he finished eighth and ⁢a difficult Giro this year where he was forced to withdraw on stage 16, Roglič remains steadfast.

The ⁢Evenepoel Factor and Future prospects

The arrival of ⁢Evenepoel, ‍a younger and equally enterprising ⁢rider, undoubtedly shifts the team dynamic. Roglič acknowledged this, stating that⁤ Evenepoel will likely become the team’s priority rider. when ⁣questioned about racing alongside Evenepoel in next year’s Tour, Roglič admitted uncertainty, saying, “The ⁣tour is still far away… and it is indeed not yet certain if I can and will actually race it next year.” Though, he emphasized a commitment to working⁣ together for the best ⁣possible outcome.

Looking Ahead: Team Growth and Competition

Roglič recognizes‍ the need for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe ‍to close the gap‍ with dominant teams like those led by Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. “The team is growing, but there is still a ‍gap with ⁢Tadej Pogačar‍ and Jonas Vingegaard,” he stated. He remains optimistic about the team’s potential⁢ for betterment and is focused on contributing to⁢ that growth.

Roglič has ruled out participating in the upcoming Spanish Grand Tour ⁢(Vuelta a España), ⁤opting rather to focus on recovery and readiness. ‍He recently demonstrated his form with a⁢ victory at the Etten-Leur ‍criterium in the Netherlands,stating,”I ⁤don’t do vuelta,so I could come to⁢ Etten-Leur. I’m glad I’m back in the Netherlands,” as reported ⁢by Hey in the leader’s jersey.