"I adore him... He plays a huge role on the road" - Rolf Aldag on 'overlooked' transfer that could prove key for Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe

A lot has been made of the transfer moves made by Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe over this transfer window. The likes of Maxim van Gils, Oier Lazkano and Giulio Pellizzari have arrived among others, but according to sports director Rolf Aldag there's one signing in particular that stands out.

That signing being, the acquisition of Jan Tratnik from Team Visma | Lease a Bike. "I have to say about Jan Tratnik that I adore him," Aldag says of the Slovenian ace in quotes collected by Siol, expressing his long-term interest in the 34-year-old former Giro d'Italia stage winner. "I have known him for a long time. I know very well that he was overlooked by Quick-Step. And I still feel sorry for him, how they let him go, because you know what he can contribute to the team."

Even in 2024 Tratnik proved his worth to Visma, taking victory at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but in Aldag's opinion, it's the time Tratnik spent at Bahrain - Victorious that left the biggest mark in the career of the Slovenian. "I heard about his legacy with the Bahrain Victorious team. It is nice to see what he can contribute to the team, and it is not just exceptional victories," he explains.

As such, heading into 2025 with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe and reunited with compatriot and former Visma teammate Primoz Roglic, Aldag is hopeful the experienced Tratnik can play a key role in improving the team both in the Classics and the in the Grand Tours. "He plays a huge role on the road," Aldag adds, noting how Tratnik can be key in putting race directions out to riders during races. "How he brings information to the sports directors... And that is why he is very much appreciated in every team," Aldag concludes warmly.