Imagine pouring your heart and soul into the most grueling sport on Earth, only to face the harsh reality that the crown jewel of cycling might slip through your fingers forever. That's the emotional tug-of-war Primoz Roglic is navigating as he eyes the Tour de France one last time. But here's where it gets intriguing—will he chase glory or embrace a new chapter?
Primoz Roglic, the Slovenian cycling sensation you've likely cheered for in major races, is gearing up for a fresh season brimming with surprises. His team, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, is buzzing with excitement over new talents like the rising star Florian Lipowitz and the dynamic Remco Evenepoel, who’s joining the squad and could shake things up in ways we’ve yet to imagine. For Roglic himself, though, his position on the team feels a bit uncertain right now. Still, this seasoned rider isn’t ready to hang up his wheels just yet. He’s got plenty of fire left in his competitive spirit and the physical prowess to keep battling at the elite level—he’s made it clear he has no plans to walk away from the sport he loves.
Take this year’s Tour de France, for instance, where Roglic had a real eye-opener. Even when he was riding at his absolute peak, he came to grips with the fact that he couldn’t quite match up against the very top contenders for the podium spots. Instead, he launched into an unforgettable two-day offensive through the breathtaking Alps, showcasing his endurance and flair. And let’s not forget that spectacular final stage winding up to Montmartre, where he savored every pedal stroke and soaked in the atmosphere. It was a reminder of why cycling captivates us all—the thrill of the challenge, the crowd’s roar, and that pure joy of pushing limits.
In a candid chat with L'Équipe during the Saitama Criterium in Japan, Roglic opened up about his dreams. “It would be an incredible way to wrap things up, or at the very least, to close out a significant part of my journey,” he mused. “But if I’m still fit enough to tackle the Tour, I definitely want to be there—it’s the biggest event in the world, and it’s just plain awesome to be a part of it.” This isn’t just talk; Roglic has already clinched victories like the Giro d’Italia and four editions of the Vuelta a España. Yet, the Tour de France remains in a league of its own, a race that draws fans from every corner of the globe and tests riders in ways no other event can. For newcomers to cycling, think of it as the Super Bowl of bike racing: a three-week marathon across France’s diverse landscapes, from flat sprints to mountain ascents, where strategy, strength, and mental toughness collide.
Roglic gushes about what makes the Tour special. “I adore the enthusiastic crowds, the unwavering support, and the personal goals you set to go toe-to-toe with the world’s finest cyclists, revealing your resilience and true self. It’s an utterly magical experience.” He calls it “the grandest race on the planet, the ultimate aspiration for every rider.” And he’s honest—if he could pick just one more victory to cap his career, the Tour de France would be it. “Anyone who dives into cycling does it because they’ve been inspired by the Tour, not by something like the Tour of Catalunya. If I had to select another race to conquer, it’d undoubtedly be the Tour, even if getting so close has been pretty remarkable already.”
Roglic on the attack at this year's Tour. @Imago
But here's where it gets controversial—can Roglic realistically reclaim his spot at the top, or is it time for him to gracefully bow out?
Roglic’s keeping it real about his prospects. With riders like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard dominating the climbing stages year after year, showing no vulnerabilities and consistently thriving throughout the past decade, it’s tough to envision Roglic contending for the overall win in France—the elusive victory that’s always stayed just out of reach. As he puts it, reflecting on life’s fleeting nature, “Every passing day means one less in our lives. You can’t stop time, so I’m trying to appreciate things more these days. That said, looking back to when I was racking up wins, that felt fantastic too. Let’s just say I’m finding a different kind of satisfaction now.”
Yet, for a cyclist of Roglic’s stature, reputation, and compensation, he can’t afford to let his performance dip too much. “I need to stay grounded,” he adds. “Last season wasn’t my best in terms of victories, so my first priority is to rebuild that winning momentum. Once I’m back in the groove, deciding which races to prioritize won’t be an issue. There are plenty of opportunities from January through October, and my team won’t bench me if I’m capable of bringing home the wins.” This shift in focus makes sense for beginners in cycling: riders like Roglic balance long-term glory with short-term successes, ensuring their careers remain vibrant and full of purpose.
So, what do you think? Should Roglic push harder for that one final Tour de France triumph, or is it wiser for him to focus on securing more wins in other races where he’s already shone? Is the Tour truly the be-all and end-all of cycling, or could there be merit in embracing a more relaxed, victory-focused approach? Share your opinions in the comments and let’s debate this—after all, cycling is all about passion, and everyone’s got a different take!
