Throughout 2022 Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard have raced together quite a lot and with a lot of success, however with the Tour de France changing the dynamics of the team quite a lot, many have wondered about the internal chemistry at Jumbo-Visma. Primoz Roglic adressed some of those questions.
"We'll see about that. Tough competition always forces you to become a better version of yourself. My goal is to become even better next year," Roglic said in an extensive interview with Radio Slovenia. Asked about his relation with Tour de France winner Vingegaard, he replied: "We actually never had a fight. But if we did, I am optimistic, I am a little bigger than him," Roglic laughs.
The two dominated the Critérium du Dauphiné and into the Tour de France they had shared leadership, which turned into a sole leadership at the first summit finish in La Planche des Belles Filles where the Dane climbed ahead of his teammate. With him abandoning both the Tour and the Vuelta a Espana due to crashes Roglic was unable to transform his form into results at the Grand Tours, with Vingegaard gaining more influence in the Jumbo bubble.
Some have even questioned his stay at the team, despite a contract lasting until 2025. "There are always some speculations, but we all know I have a contract with TJV," he replied. "For how many years? Definitely next year, then we'll see. Nothing lasts for ever in sports and in life. We are always trying to find optimal ways, each and every one of us. I am always trying to find the best conditions for me where ever I am."
As Jumbo-Visma and UAE Team Emirates further reinforce their already strong squads, Roglic is likely to have a lot of support even if he choses a path away from the Tour de France in the coming year. He talks of his relationships with the team, with whom he as recently connected with in a pre-season camp at the team's headquarters.
"We grew together, me and the team. It didn't happen over night, it was a long process. And then you ask yourself – if I change the team, I have to go through this long process again. Where can I go, if I am already on the best team," he said.
"The most important work in this process was working with the people, including me. There were a lot of new things to understand, we had to learn a lot and we are still learning. We can't stop now after winning 'a couple' of races and even winning the Tour," Roglic continued.
Despite being one of the most successful riders in modern cycling, he is still the victim of several crashes for example, which bring him to a level where he can be aware of his achievements. "When you think you've learned enough, life quickly teaches you a lesson. You always have to think innovatively, always try to be a step in front of competition."
Regarding his status as a Slovenian star, Roglic does not hide that he does feel honored by the situation. "I feel flattered about that. Everybody has a mission in life and if my mission is to pass my story and my values to people, then it's the nicest job I can have."
"I missed the energy from the fans by the road in corona times. It's a privilege to watch all those fans gathering especially at three-week races, to ride past them and write each our own stories," Roglic concluded.
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