ANALYSIS: Why Primoz Roglic Always Excels in Spain

Primoz Roglic's triumph on Stage 4 of the 2024 Vuelta a Espana was a masterclass that reaffirmed his reputation in this race. Roglič, now poised to chase a historic fourth Vuelta title, displayed the same tactical brilliance and sheer power that has marked his previous victories.

But what makes the Slovenian such a consistent and formidable presence in Spain’s grand tour? His ability to thrive in this race stems from a combination of physical characteristics, race intelligence, team support, and a remarkable resilience that has defined his cycling career.

Roglic’s longevity

Not only does Primoz Roglic have impressive longevity in terms of his career, but the Red Bull Bora rider also manages to perform at a high level throughout the season. One of Roglič’s greatest strengths is his ability to time his form perfectly for La Vuelta, a race that typically takes place at the end of the cycling season. Unlike other riders who may struggle with fatigue after a gruelling year of racing, Roglič excels when others begin to falter. In the 2024 edition of the race, his stage 4 victory came after he tactically outwitted his rivals on the steep summit finish, showcasing his knack for timing his efforts to perfection.

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This ability is crucial for a three-week race, where peaking too early or too late can ruin an overall classification (GC) bid. Throughout his previous victories in 2019, 2020, and 2021, Roglič has consistently ramped up his form during the race, and has rarely showed signs of weakness in Spain. Whether it’s mastering short, punchy climbs or performing in longer mountain stages, Roglič’s form typically grows stronger as La Vuelta progresses.

The Climbing-Friendly Terrain

Spain’s mountainous terrain plays directly into Roglič’s hands. His climbing ability is among the best in the world, and La Vuelta is a race notoriously packed with brutal ascents. The Slovenian’s combination of explosive power and stamina makes him a perfect fit for the short, sharp uphill finishes that La Vuelta is famous for—as seen on Tuesday’s stage 4. Roglič expertly handled the steep final climb, using his superior positioning and energy management to distance his rivals and claim a commanding victory.

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Roglič’s love for Spain’s jagged profiles has been evident in previous editions. In 2021, he won multiple stages that included iconic climbs such as Lagos de Covadonga and Alto de El Gamoniteiru. His explosiveness allows him to attack and create significant gaps on these challenging terrains, further underlining why he consistently excels in Spain.

Roglic also excels in the heat, which is a key characteristic of La Vuelta every year. Whilst other renowned climbers falter in the hot weather, such as the likes of Carapaz on stage 4, Roglic is not fazed by the blistering heat in the Spanish mountains.

Tactics and support

Roglič is not just a physically dominant rider; his tactical sense on the bike is unparalleled. On multiple occasions, he has shown that he knows when to attack, when to conserve energy, and how to exploit his rivals’ weaknesses. His tactical nous was on full display during Tuesday’s victory, where he bided his time before launching a decisive move in the final kilometre. Roglic’s team, Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe, expertly controlled the peloton beforehand, and primed their leader for an attack on the final climb.

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Throughout his Vuelta successes, Roglič was previously bolstered by his team at Jumbo-Visma. The Dutch squad perfected the art of protecting their leader in key moments, controlling the peloton, and setting up Roglič for stage wins. Jumbo-Visma’s meticulous planning and exceptional teamwork were crucial in helping Roglič avoid unnecessary time losses and position him perfectly to strike when it matters most, and Red Bull are hoping to replicate this.

Recovery and Resilience

In the three-week grind that is a grand tour, recovery is key—and Roglič is a master at bouncing back from adversity. His mental toughness and physical resilience are traits that have defined his career, particularly after high-profile setbacks like his heartbreaking defeat in the 2020 Tour de France. Roglič has shown that he can take hard knocks, regroup, and come back stronger.

At La Vuelta, this resilience has proven vital time and time again. In his 2019 and 2020 triumphs, Roglič bounced back from crashes and challenging moments to ultimately emerge victorious. His experience and knowledge of the race mean that he knows how to conserve energy during less critical stages, while turning up the pressure when the opportunity arises.

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The Perfect Environment

La Vuelta a España has also become something of a psychological stronghold for Roglič. Success breeds confidence, and after three overall victories, he now approaches the race with a mental edge over his competitors. His understanding of the demands of La Vuelta—from the weather conditions, altitude changes, to the intense competition—gives him an advantage when it comes to managing the race.

Additionally, the Spanish fans have embraced Roglič, and he enjoys competing in a country that has become something of a second home. This positive environment has fostered a sense of belonging, which, combined with his physical strengths, has propelled him to victory time and again.

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Is a Fourth Vuelta Win in Sight?

With his stage 4, Roglič has sent a clear message to his rivals that he is once again in top form and ready to challenge for a fourth Vuelta title. His adaptability, form management, and psychological edge make him a top contender as the race progresses. While the competition is fierce—with rising stars and seasoned veterans also eyeing the red jersey—Roglič’s track record, tactical intelligence, and unique ability to thrive in Spain’s challenging conditions make him a favorite to stand on top of the podium once again.

Primož Roglič’s continued success at La Vuelta a España is no fluke. It’s the result of meticulous preparation, outstanding teamwork, and a rare combination of mental and physical fortitude that has allowed him to flourish where others falter. As he eyes a fourth title in 2024, Roglič once again proves why he is Spain’s dominant force, and why La Vuelta seems to bring out the very best in him.