Primoz Roglic: "I now wonder whether I can still start the Giro"

“I would like to ride the Giro again. Or that will be in 2023? I have to recover 100 percent from this injury first," Roglic said in an interview with Wielerflits. "Only then can I set out my goals. I fear that the Giro will come too early next season. It depends on how long I can't go full out because of this injury. The months meanwhile are flying by. I now wonder whether I can still start the Giro at the top level next year or whether it is wiser to take more time and prepare myself optimally for the Tour de France.”

The questions arise following a surgery he's had this winter on his shoulder. He has on several occasions dislocated it throughout his career, and considered it an absolute priority following the finale of the season. After three months off the bike he is now looking to resume training, however only when he begins racing - expected in March will there be a good idea of his form, and plan to follow.

His words insinuate there is a solid chance that he may tackle the Corsa Rosa for the first time since 2019, if he is able to quickly get back to racing form that is. Unlike Jonas Vingegaard and Wout van Aert, Roglic has not prioritized the Tour over the Giro, and the time-trial heavy route favours the Slovenian much more. With Vingegaard likely to lead the team at the Tour, looking for another yellow-green double alongside van Aert, Roglic's role at a Giro would on paper be much more important.

“If you're good, then every course suits you. If you feel less, you have something to criticize on every course. I'm never that busy with the course, but I prefer to concentrate on my own level," he concluded.