10/09/2024

"We are in a golden age of Slovenian cycling" - Tadej Pogacar shares delight at Primoz Roglic's Vuelta a Espana victory and previews World Championship road race

For the fourth time in his career, Primoz Roglic took home the Red Jersey as winner of the Vuelta a Espana last weekend. In doing so, Roglic completed a year of Slovenian dominance in the Grand Tours.

Earlier in 2024, Tadej Pogacar completed destroyed the field at the Giro d'Italia, winning a total of six stages, the King of the Mountains classification and the Maglia Rosa by just short of ten minutes from Daniel Martinez. A short while later, Pogacar travelled to France and reclaimed the Maillot Jaune from his great rival Jonas Vingegaard, plus six more stages.

Primoz Roglic & Tadej Pogacar set to team up for Slovenia at Zurich World Championships according to reports!

"Primoz Roglic and I have lost count. We are in a golden age of Slovenian cycling," Pogacar says proudly of his and his compatriot Roglic's Grand Tour dominance in 2024, in conversation with La Gazzetta dello Sport. "There is a very good spirit, and I am happy to be part of it. Let's hope we can add the World Championships to our list!"

In the upcoming World Championships in Zurich, the rumours are that both Pogacar and Roglic will be teaming up for Slovenia, forming a formidable leadership duo in the fight for the road race Rainbow Jersey, something that has so far proved elusive for the nation. "Yes, as Slovenia we have never really shone at the World Championships," Pogacar admits. "That is certainly no secret. I really hope that we can finally change that and win the gold."

"We are in a golden age of Slovenian cycling" - Tadej Pogacar shares delight at Primoz Roglic's Vuelta a Espana victory and previews World Championship road race — Pogacar in action for Slovenia at the 2023 World Championships in Glasgow

"The course? It's tough, but not too tough. Still, it's the riders who make the race," Pogacar continues. "Last year, people were thinking about a sprint at the World Championships, but we were far from that. This year, it's a bit more for climbers than in 2023, but above all, it's a punchy circuit for explosive riders. It also has some technical parts. All in all, perfect for a World Championship."

In terms of rivals, a few names in particular stick out for Pogacar. "If Mathieu van der Poel is in super good shape, he will be able to fight for it, surprise and win. I am sure that Wout van Aert could have flown on a course like this, but unfortunately he is not there. And Remco Evenepoel is, just like me, a very versatile rider who can win on any terrain," assesses the UAE Team Emirates rider.