"Primoz Roglic and I have become good friends – I want to learn from him": Giulio Pellizzari thriving under mentorship of "one of the best riders in history"

Giulio Pellizzari’s rise through the WorldTour keeps gathering pace — and for the 22-year-old Italian, the defining ingredient is simple: learning every day from Primoz Roglic.

Speaking in a recent interview with TV Slovenija, the Red Bull – BORA - hansgrohe talent opened up about his growing bond with the former Giro and Vuelta winner, and why riding at his side has changed the trajectory of his young career.

Pellizzari didn’t hesitate when asked what this season has meant. “Yes, I think Primoz and I have become good friends. I enjoyed racing with him. I learned so much from him and was overjoyed to ride alongside him,” he said, stressing just how seriously he takes the chance to learn from a multiple-Grand Tour champion. “I hope we keep racing together next year. Maybe we’ll race together for another two or three years, depending on what Primoz wants.”

He’s also under no illusions about the calibre of the rider showing him the ropes. “He’s one of the best riders in history,” Pellizzari emphasised. “He has 91 career wins, which is incredible. When I got my first win at the Vuelta, I thought to myself: Primoz has raised his arms 90 times already. Crazy! I want to learn as much as possible from him.”

The Italian’s enthusiasm isn’t reserved for one Slovenian superstar, either. Pellizzari also spoke warmly about Tadej Pogacar, describing the moment the two played padel together while celebrating his birthday.

“I think that was one of the best days of my life. The first was my victory at the Vuelta a Espana, and the second was that day in Val Gardena, which I remember with real fondness. It’s always a pleasure to watch Pogacar race — or to play padel with him like I did this time.”

And his admiration is hardly a secret at home. “Pogacar is popular all over the world, but Italians really love him. I really love him as well.”

Those interactions underline the unique environment Pellizzari now moves in — one where he trains, races, and socialises with some of the biggest names in modern cycling.

Pellizzari’s 2024 and 2025 campaigns have marked him out as one of Italy’s brightest prospects. A breakout Giro, a Vuelta stage win, and consistent top-six Grand Tour finishes have shown his raw GC potential. But he insists he’s grounded — and patient.

After a well-earned break in the USA, he admitted he’s waiting calmly for the team’s final 2026 racing plan. “I’ve just had a nice holiday in the USA. A few days in the wind tunnel with the team, a few days with my girlfriend. Italians can be a bit too excitable and impatient. I have to wait for the programme the team will present in Mallorca.”

His own preference is clear, though: “I asked whether I might ride the Giro, but we’ll see when they reveal the plans in December.”

With Remco Evenepoel now the marquee signing at Red Bull – Bora Hansgrohe, Pellizzari sees only opportunity. “I think it’s really good for the team. Now we have two of the four best riders in the world. It’s a good opportunity for a young rider like me to improve alongside him. We’ve got a meeting in Salzburg in a few days. I think we’re in for a good season with him.”

Learning from Roglic has accelerated his development; learning from Evenepoel could push him to another level again.

Pressure on emerging Italian talent is nothing new, and Pellizzari didn’t shy away from acknowledging the weight of expectation. “In my opinion, the problem lies a bit within us Italians. We’re a bit strange. When you have a good rider, everyone starts following him. Then, when the first bad moment comes, people say: ‘No, he’s not like Pantani, he’s not like at the beginning.’ As a rider, you just have to train and live — then you see what happens.”

Still, he knows what the tifosi want. “I know the fans are waiting. I hope they won’t have to wait much longer.”

Given his trajectory, they might not have to.