"Tadej Pogacar is just incredible. It’s inspiring to see him ride like that" - Primoz Roglic pays glowing tribute to compatriot after 2nd Rainbow Jersey win in Kigali

Primoz Roglic crossed the line in 11th place at the 2025 World Championships in Kigali, 9:05 down on Tadej Pogacar, but the Slovenian was full of praise for his compatriot’s extraordinary solo ride. Despite the personal disappointment of missing out on a podium, Roglic emphasised the collective effort and the rising stature of Slovenia in world cycling.

“The finale? Yeah, it was a bit like — almost torture,” Roglic admitted in his post-race interview afterwards with Cycling Pro Net. “We went full gas from the start and barely stopped until the finish. It was tough, but in a way, it was nice to push ourselves like that.”

Roglic was quick to highlight Pogacar’s performance as the standout of the day. “He’s just incredible," he praised his compatriot warmly. "Really, huge respect to him.”

Roglic was also quick to acknowledge the wider team effort. “All the guys — they all did a fantastic job. For me personally, I’m happy I finished. That’s the first step. The team really delivered today.” He reflected on the challenge of racing against a field stacked with the world’s best, noting the intensity from the very start. “It was full gas from the beginning. The climbs, the descents, everything demanded focus. You had to be on top of your game every second.”

For Roglic, the result was also a moment to reflect on Slovenia’s growing influence in elite cycling. “It’s remarkable what we’ve achieved as a nation,” he said. “We’re only two million people, and what Tadej, the team, and I have done over the past few years — it’s history. Truly incredible.”

Even amid fatigue, Roglic’s pride was evident. “Yeah, I’m tired, of course,” he admitted, laughing, “but it’s been a crazy experience. To see Tadej ride like that, it’s inspiring. It pushes everyone in the team to raise their game.”

The race was brutal from start to finish, with Mont Kigali and the technical circuits exposing every rider’s limits. Roglic’s own performance, while not enough to challenge the podium, showed resilience and tactical intelligence, ensuring he remained competitive through the most punishing sections of the course.

In the end, while Pogacar claimed the rainbow jersey in a masterclass solo ride, Roglic’s reflections underline the respect and admiration within the Slovenian camp. It was a day that cemented Pogacar’s legacy, but also showcased the depth and professionalism of Slovenia’s riders on the world stage.