Could today be the final race of Primoz Roglic's career? - Legendary Slovenian admits it's possible Il Lombardia could be his last
Cycling
Primoz Roglic has hinted that Il Lombardia could possibly be the final race of his illustrious career. The legendary Slovenian rider begins the monument with his contract expiring at Red Bull - BORA Hansgrohe and no confirmed transfer destination for 2027.
The Slovenian legend, who has won five Grand Tours throughout his career, turns 37 this month and will take to the start of the Italian classic to ride the final race of his 2026 season after a resurgent end to the year with a Vuelta a Espana podium and a European Championships win.
Out of contract with Red Bull, the team and rider have confirmed that he will leave the team at the end of 2026. With multiple teams throughout the season interested in his signature, his options seemed limited before the Vuelta a Espana.
However, an incredible second place at the Vuelta and a European time trial title have demonstrated that the 36-year-old veteran has plenty to give in 2027 as he looks to continue his career. A five-time Grand Tour winner and Tour de France runner-up, Roglic would be a valuable signing for many teams.
Roglic's transfer future
Lotto-Intermarche are among the frontrunners to sign the veteran, who was also previously linked with Tudor Pro Cycling and Bahrain-Victorious. However, he has not officially signed with a team for 2027.
Ahead of Il Lombardia on Saturday, Roglic hinted that it could be his final race in a surprise admission: "You never know when is the last one," he said. "Like everything in life, it can be a bit emotional. I’m looking forward [to the race]."
He added: "I don’t know it yet. We will see. We will see."
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Roglic on his European Championships victory
It's not the first time in recent interviews that Roglic has toyed with the idea of retirement despite his achievements in recent weeks. Asked about an update on his transfer future following his European Championships victory, he said he hopes he'll race in the new jersey rather than riding with it at home.
“It’s wonderful—maybe I’ll just wear it at home, since we haven’t reached an agreement yet on what I’ll do next—but either way, I’ll wear it. I could hardly have imagined a better way to end the championship.
“I’d say the opposite [of an update on his future, Ed.]. We’ll see; I hope I don’t just wear this jersey at home, but that we’ll also see it on the bike.”
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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