"I’ll never know what I can achieve if I don’t try" – Primoz Roglic finally arrives in Kigali, just two days before World Championship road race

Primoz Roglic has finally joined up with the Slovenian squad in Kigali, flying in directly from an altitude camp in Sierra Nevada and landing only 48 hours before Sunday’s World Championship road race. While the rest of the team – including Tadej Pogacar, Matej Mohoric and Luka Mezgec – have been acclimatising in Rwanda for the past week, Roglic has opted to keep faith in his own tried and tested preparation.

It is a decision that raises questions. The unique conditions in Kigali – altitude, heat and relentless climbing – have dominated the pre-race discussion, with many teams arriving early to give their riders the maximum chance to adapt. Roglic, however, has put his trust in routine. “I probably won’t ride another ten World Championships, so I’ll never know what I can achieve if I don’t try,” he said in a interview with Delo upon arrival.

What adds intrigue is that Roglic is under no illusions about his role. “Tadej will be there, and Remco Evenepoel is also in outstanding form. Beyond those two, there are another ten riders who are capable of winning on Sunday,” he admitted. Pogacar, fresh from another dominant season and regarded as the outright favourite for gold, remains Slovenia’s clear leader. Yet Roglic’s presence as a protected option cannot be dismissed, particularly if rivals focus their attention on marking Pogacar.

This tactical nuance is familiar territory for Slovenia, a nation blessed with more top-end talent than most at this Worlds. In Zurich last year, they claimed their first ever Rainbow Jersey through Pogacar, with Roglic operating in a supporting role the line-up. This time around, with nine riders on the start line, they have both the numbers and the quality to shape the race – but balancing freedom with collective sacrifice will again be the challenge.

Roglic, now 35, knows the brutality of the course could work in his favour. “We need to remember that the real race only starts after five hours. Just surviving on this course will be a huge challenge, and the conditions will only make it tougher. I’m expecting an epic race,” he said.

Whether his late arrival leaves him a step behind the opposition remains to be seen. But for a rider with his track record – Grand Tour victories, Monuments and a knack for timing form – it would be no surprise if Roglic once again defies convention.