“Just trying to help the team” – Primoz Roglic shrugs off Romandie struggles as criticism mounts from experts and ex-pros

Primoz Roglic has offered a measured response to his difficult start at the 2026 Tour de Romandie, downplaying his recent time losses while keeping the focus firmly on team objectives.

Speaking to Cycling Pro Net before stage 4, the Slovenian was asked directly about his role after conceding significant time in the opening days.

“Yes, I mean, you know, just trying to help the team to achieve our best,” Roglic said.

The answer was brief and non-committal, offering little insight into how his race has unfolded or how his role has evolved within Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe.

Roglic’s position in the general classification shifted sharply after stage 2, where he lost more than two minutes on a day that did not decisively split the main contenders. That outcome has already prompted questions from analysts and commentators, particularly around the tactical approach and his apparent willingness to let time go.

Stage 3 did little to clarify that picture. On the decisive climb, Roglic was initially present near the front as the pace increased, before drifting backwards and eventually losing contact while others fought to stay in contention. The contrast was particularly noticeable as riders who had been distanced earlier managed to return and contest the finish.

Asked whether his new GC position might allow him to race more aggressively, Roglic left the door open without committing to any change in strategy. “Yeah, I mean, I can try, but sometimes it’s easier to lose the time than gain the time. So yeah… we will see.”

The response suggested awareness of the situation, but again avoided offering any clear direction.

Looking ahead more generally, his tone remained consistent. “Again, today will be a hard one and yeah, we’ll see what we can do.”

Across the short exchange, Roglic did not directly address the criticism that has followed his rides, nor did he clarify how his efforts fit into the team’s broader ambitions alongside Florian Lipowitz.

Instead, the emphasis stayed collective, with no indication of whether he intends to shift focus towards stage results, support duties, or a renewed general classification effort. That lack of definition has become one of the central talking points of his race so far.

While Roglic has kept his answers controlled, the reaction around him has moved in the opposite direction. Across the opening stages, both commentators and former riders have questioned the logic behind his racing, particularly in how his actions align with the team’s overall strategy. The combination of time loss and limited explanation has only intensified that scrutiny.

Within the race itself, the implications are already visible. With Tadej Pogacar maintaining control of the general classification and Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe increasingly centred around Lipowitz, the dual leadership dynamic that existed at the start of the race appears to have shifted. Roglic’s position within that structure remains less clear.

For now, his public stance remains unchanged: measured, restrained, and focused on the team.

But as the Tour de Romandie moves deeper into its decisive stages, the gap between that message and the questions surrounding his performances continues to grow. And with little in the way of detailed explanation, those questions are unlikely to fade any time soon.