Imagine the thrill of conquering mountain passes and sprinting toward victory in the world's most grueling cycling races – that's been the life of Primoz Roglic, a Slovenian cycling legend. But as the 2026 season looms, this seasoned rider is bracing for a major upheaval at his team, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, and he's urging open, no-holds-barred discussions to navigate it all. Let's dive into what this means for Roglic, his team, and the future of elite cycling.
The 35-year-old star is pushing for 'honest conversations' about his position as the squad gears up for dramatic changes in 2026. Reflecting on a 2025 season filled with dazzling highs and frustrating lows, Roglic emphasizes the need for 'realistic goals' and 'clear planning.' It's a call to action that's both timely and essential, especially with the team's hierarchy undergoing a complete overhaul.
Roglic will enter the new season amid a revamped roster, highlighted by the blockbuster arrival of Belgian sensation Remco Evenepoel and significant shifts in leadership. Key figures like sporting directors Rolf Aldag and Enrico Gasparotto have moved on, making way for Zak Dempster as the new head Directeur Sportif (DS) – that's the person who oversees strategy and rider support on race day. For beginners in cycling, think of the DS as the coach calling plays from the team car, ensuring everything runs smoothly. This shake-up isn't just routine; it has the potential to reshape the entire team's approach and Roglic's role within it.
'Now that the season has wrapped up,' Roglic shared in interviews gathered by Siol, 'we have to get together and decide on the roadmap for the coming year. We must outline a strategy for this refreshed lineup. Last season felt unfamiliar, this one evolved with Red Bull's influence, and now with Remco joining and some vital people leaving, it's another huge transition. There's a lot of ground to cover to integrate all these new elements.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Could Roglic be transitioning from team captain to a supportive tactical player?
The addition of Evenepoel naturally rebalances power within the group. For the first time in a long while, Roglic might approach the Tour de France without the definitive mantle of team leader – or even a secured starting spot. Yet, the Slovenian embraces this evolution, seeing it as an opportunity rather than a setback.
'This is actually positive,' he remarked about Evenepoel's move. 'It could let me ease off a bit, if you know what I mean. With all the race-day duties, we now have a younger talent who draws massive focus. Fingers crossed, that grants me more tranquility and liberty – including in my racing style.'
This outlook comes from a cyclist who's earned immense respect across the peloton, yet he grasps the harsh truths of top-tier competition as his career winds down. He's approaching this phase with maturity, focusing on what truly matters.
And this is the part most people miss: Roglic's unwavering commitment to just being a rider.
Amid swirling rumors about his next steps, Roglic has swiftly dismissed speculation. 'I haven't weighed in on any of that,' he stated regarding whispers of him jumping to other teams. 'Had anyone asked, I'd say I've got one year left on my deal.'
His priority now is eliminating distractions. 'The calm I'm seeking is purely about riding. Simply following the trainer's instructions, without fretting over extras like diet, wind resistance, or gear. The team has expanded, and we've got specialists for those areas. I can truly concentrate on cycling. That's all I need.' For newcomers to the sport, this highlights how professional riders often juggle multiple roles – from strategy to personal care – and Roglic's relief at offloading some shows the toll of those responsibilities.
Even in a more supporting capacity, Roglic remains a powerhouse for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. He secured an impressive eighth place at the 2025 Tour, despite challenges, and aided Florian Lipowitz to a podium spot. His sharp tactical mind and extensive experience could prove crucial in tackling the daunting challenge of dethroning Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates.
'There are countless races waiting,' Roglic mused. 'I've claimed victories in some, but many remain untapped. Still, we must acknowledge reality. We have to gather, ponder deeply, and engage in sincere talks about feasibilities and limits. I crave genuine discussions and attainable objectives.'
Roglic and Lipowitz formed a dynamic duo at the 2025 Tour, showcasing how teamwork can elevate performances – a great example of how cycling isn't always a solo endeavor.
The Pogacar Puzzle: A Controversial Challenge
When questioned if a trio of leaders – himself, Evenepoel, and Lipowitz – might finally crack Pogacar's dominance, Roglic responded with a knowing grin. 'Everything's within the realm of possibility. But let's face facts – it's a different story. No matter how you slice it, there's something absent. On the flip side, distributing the load among three instead of one could improve our odds. But honestly – UAE isn't exactly a pushover. Time will tell.'
This subtly controversial take invites debate: Is a multi-leader strategy innovative or just delaying the inevitable against cycling's current titan? Some fans might argue it's the smart way to counter Pogacar's brilliance, while others see it as a sign that no team can truly rival him without structural changes in the sport.
For Roglic, the coming months shift away from personal heroics toward role reinvention. After decades as the central figure, 2026 heralds a fresh era – not as the lone commander, but as a vital cog in a more intricate tactical machine.
What do you think? Should Roglic fully embrace this supporting role, or is it time for him to seek a team where he's the undisputed star? Do you believe a multi-rider approach can truly challenge Pogacar, or is his era unstoppable? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or fresh perspectives!
