14/11/2023

"I think he’s one of the best role models" - Ralph Denk delighted by Primoz Roglic's quick integration at BORA - hansgrohe

In arguably the biggest transfer story of the last few years, BORA - hansgrohe managed to pull off a coup and bring in the reigning Giro d'Italia champion, Primoz Roglic from Jumbo-Visma.

BORA - hansgrohe's manager, Ralph Denk has been delighted by his big acquistion's quick integration over the last few weeks. “It was impressive for me how quickly he settled into the team,” Denk has told GCN. "He was friendly. He has already taken the leadership role and brought some good ideas to the table in terms of structure and performance. We’ve had some really good days together and we’re looking forward to the first training camp."

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“If you talk to him, you immediately feel it and want to give more than 100 per cent to be successful. If you talk to him, you realise that he loves what he does and that it’s not hard for him to jump on the bike everyday," Denk continues, full of praise for Roglic. "I think he’s one of the best role models.”

Roglic has not been quiet about his goal for next year, winning the Tour de France. Taking on his former employers and former teammate Jonas Vingegaard will not be easy however. As BORA - hansgrohe look to close the gap to Jumbo-Visma though, Denk is keen not to develop a copycat approach.

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"It’s an important job but we also need to find our own way," Denk explains. "We can’t just copy and paste the past. That’s not a game-changer. You have to bring a mix, look left and right, and go your own way. We have our own strategy and way with our performance team."

"The Tour, it would mean a lot. To be on the start line just as a contender, a real contender, is something new for us and it’s something that we need to deal with. There’s attention and pressure but we can do well when we do our jobs," Denk concludes. "For sure, for me as a person and manager it’s always been a dream to win the Tour with a team, but if it doesn’t happen the sun will still rise the next day. It’s a goal, though."