Bora boss plays down the likelihood of Primoz Roglic's start at the Vuelta: "He only trains a bit on the home trainer, so I don't think it's clear yet whether he will participate"

Primoz Roglic mustn't have a good relationship with the Grande Boucle. Ever since his second place in 2020, it seems that the ex-ski jumper is cursed with a streak of three unfinished Tours (2021, 2022, 2024). At least for the Slovenian he's been often able to take a 'consolidation prize' in form of the Vuelta a Espana. He had won the Spanish grand tour three times (2019-2021) and in the event of another victory, he could equal the standing record of four triumphs by Roberto Heras.

Few days ago, one of the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe sports directors claimed that Roglic's Vuelta start can be considered guaranteed. However the team manager has different information: "Then he knows more than I do. Primoz only trains a bit on the home trainer, so I don't think it's clear yet whether he will participate in the Vuelta," revealed team boss Ralph Denk in the Inside Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe podcast.

This comes in a contrary to previous reports from Bora's DS Javier Guillén who suggested that Roglic's injuries weren't so bad that there should be any concerns regarding his Vuelta participation. "I'm sure the sports director would like to have him at the start, but I can't confirm that yet," admitted Denk.

According to initial reports, Roglic did not suffer any fractures in his crash at the Tour de France, but according to Denk he has scars and bruises all over his body. It was certainly a hard blow for the team and rider, who had put everything on this year's Tour de France and for a long time, it seemed like podium was certainly possible.

Had Primoz Roglic's team decided to line up the Slovenian for Vuelta, there could be a unique opportunity to write history. Based on initial reports, none of the 'top' GC riders seems to be heading for the Gran Salida in Lisboa. At the moment, the biggest names at the preliminary startlist are the defending champion Sepp Kuss, Enric Mas, Richard Carapaz or 4th at the Tour Joao Almeida.