It wasn't easy and it was far from business as usual for Primoz Roglic on the final stage of the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine. Despite considerable time loss on the final summit finish, the BORA - hansgrohe leader did just enough to hold on.
“Looking to myself, it is quite crazy to be able to win the Dauphine," reflected a very relieved Roglic in his post-stage interview. In the end, it was just 8 seconds that separated the Slovenian with his nearest challenger, Team Visma | Lease a Bike leader, Matteo Jorgenson after a thrilling finale. "With everything that happened in between, so beautiful.”
When Roglic began to be dropped by the attacks of Jorgenson and the eventual stage winner Carlos Rodriguez, there was still around 5km to go of the climb meaning his Maillot Jaune was very much at risk. Showing his vast experience however, the Slovenian managed his efforts, didn't put himself in the red and was able to do just enough to keep himself narrowly in the overall lead of the general classification.
“We were hearing all the gaps, and I also saw the leaders more or less all the time, and it was tight, but it went to my advantage, so perfect,” continues the 34-year-old in his post-stage interview. “Did I suffer? Definitely, for all the last three days. It’s definitely something that we needed with the team. It’s crazy to be able to win the Dauphine.”
It's the second time in his career that Roglic has taken the overall victory at the Criterium du Dauphine, the last time coming back in 2022. On that occasion, the Slovenian was not able to back up his success with more joy at the Tour de France. Could it be different this time around? We do not have too long to find out!
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