Dream team reunites? Primoz Roglic reportedly set to join Tadej Pogacar in Slovenian lineup for Rwanda World Championships
Cycling
In a late but significant twist to the build-up for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda, Primoz Roglic is reportedly set to line up alongside Tadej Pogacar in the Slovenian national team — a rare pairing of two generational Grand Tour talents.
According to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, Roglic is expected to compete in the elite men’s road race in Kigali on 28 September, marking a high-profile addition to a start list recently shaken by the withdrawals of Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert.
Roglic’s presence not only bolsters Slovenia’s firepower but could also renew one of the sport’s most fascinating intra-national dynamics. The last time Roglic and Pogacar wore the national colours was at the 2024 World Championships in Zurich, where Roglic played a pivotal support role in helping Pogacar claim Slovenia’s first-ever elite men’s road race rainbow jersey.
While early speculation suggested Roglic might also ride the individual time trial and use the Canadian World Tour races in Québec and Montréal as a form finder, those plans now appear to be off the table. Instead, his return to competition will come directly at the World Championships.
Tactical firepower and leadership questions for Slovenia
Importantly, the World Championships won’t be Roglic’s swan song for the season. The Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe leader is also eyeing the Italian autumn classics, with Il Lombardia — the final Monument of the year — a likely peak target and a race where he and Pogacar will be on opposing sides.
For Slovenia, the prospect of unleashing both Roglic and Pogacar on a hilly, tactical course in Kigali is mouthwatering. On paper, it’s a dream scenario: two elite riders, both capable of winning on their own, but even more formidable together. But as ever, questions linger. Who will lead? Will national unity hold in the decisive moments? Or will ambitions clash?
Roglic was part of Pogacar's support team in Zurich last year
The Rwandan Worlds mark the first time cycling’s biggest one-day prize will be contested on African soil. The route in Kigali is expected to be short on flat terrain and rich in punchy climbs — ideal for aggressive riders with a Grand Tour engine and one-day instincts. In short, tailor-made for both Roglic and Pogacar.
Whether this reunion results in another show of Slovenian dominance or delivers high drama on the roads of Kigali, one thing is certain: cycling fans have every reason to mark 28 September as a must-watch.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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