“I didn’t have a huge desire to go any faster" - Primoz Roglic content to let others fight for win on stage 2 of 2025 Tour de France

After a disappointing 39 second time loss on the opening day, Primoz Roglic looked a lot better on stage 2, finishing safely in the lead group. On the final rise to the finish line however, the Slovenian was notably absent from the fight for the stage win. According to Roglic himself, that was a marked decision, saving his legs for later in the race.

“Huh. You’ve said it all — it was tough,” Roglic told the Slovenian media in his post-stage interview afterwards, after being asked about the intense and punchy finale to the stage. "I didn’t have a huge desire to go any faster. Positive vibes. We lost a bit more time on Saturday, but today we were right there. The lads did what was needed. Florian Lipowitz is strong.”

In his own post-stage interview with ARD, Lipowitz, who did try and attack in the final few kilometres, explained the move and his desire to try and get an advantage. “I wanted to try something," began the German prospect. "Honestly, I didn’t feel great at the start of the Tour. I think I’ll need two or three more days, but I was happy to be in the group. I gave it a go, but it didn’t quite work out. I had a lot of lactic acid in the legs, but I’m happy to have finished.”

“Chapeau,” added Roglic, clearly impressed with his young teammate's performance. "The whole team rode well. Stay positive. We lost time on the first day, but today we were in the mix.”

Ahead of stage 3, the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe leaders are undoubtedly on the back foot, but far from out of the fight for the Maillot Jaune. Both Roglic and Lipowitz are 49 seconds down on race leader Mathieu van der Poel in 21st and 22nd overall.