"I actually hope that he succeeds" - Robert Gesink keen on Primoz Roglic's Tour de France triumph despite team change

Robert Gesink was part of Primoz Roglic's three Vuelta a Espana wins, and his run-in for several others. The Slovenian has moved on to BORA - hansgrohe but Gesink hopes that his friend is still able to achieve his dream.

“Primoz has won almost everything in his career, except for that one major prize, the Tour de France. With his drive, it is actually logical that he would want to do everything he could for another two years to win that top prize," Gesink said in a column for RIDE Magzine. "If I let the cycling enthusiast in me speak, I actually hope that he succeeds in that goal. What a wonderful story it would be if, after all these years with so many major victories, he now adds that missing yellow jersey to his list of achievements.”

This was almost the case in 2020 - where Gesink was present. Roglic was very close to winning the Tour de France that year, but was ultimately defeated in the final time-trial by a very strong Tadej Pogacar. Ever since, the Slovenian has not come close. His diminishing freedom in the Grand Tours has also led him to choose a different team, as he has one key race missing in his palmarès, and still has the legs to fight for a huge win.

“Primoz is one of the four riders who is a certainty for success overall classifications in the Grand Tours. Our team would have liked to keep two of those riders, which is why, in the event of a merger with Soudal Quick-Step, they were also enthusiastic about the possible arrival of Remco Evenepoel," the veteran tells. "That did not work. And yes, there is still a strong block that is well attuned to each other. The fact that the team can win a Grand Tour even without Primoz was proven in the Tour last season.”

Roglic will however have to battle against Gesink's Jumbo-Visma. Jonas Vingegaard will certainly aim for another Tour de France title in 2024 and taking into consideration the last two years, it will be very hard for someone to beat him in direct competition. However a lot can happen in and outside of racing. Roglic will lead a BORA - hansgrohe with a clear goal and will, most likely, feature a strong block alongside him in France.

“To compete against Primoz later will require a different dynamic," Gesink acknowledges. "He also has BORA-hansgrohe a strong block around him. There is no other rider who knows so well what he wants and someone who can use his experience so well. Although I am also convinced that our team will continue to rely on its own strengths and will not adjust its course to an opponent. Even if it is Primoz. It's going to be an interesting summer. The neutral cycling enthusiasts will be the biggest winners of Roglic's transfer.”