"We are working on a long-term team and he is part of that" - Merijn Zeeman emphatically shuts down rumours of imminent Primoz Roglic departure from Jumbo-Visma

Rumours have been circling and speculation growing in recent weeks that Primoz Roglic could be set for an imminent departure from Jumbo-Visma. This talk has only been increased since the news broke that the team could be about to merge with Soudal - Quick-Step.

Jumbo-Visma sports director Merijn Zeeman however, has been quick to put down talk of the four-time Grand Tour-winning Slovenian parting ways with the Dutch-based squad. "That is news to me, so it is not correct," he told GCN bluntly. "We are working on a long-term team and he is part of that."

Teams such as Lidl-Trek, Movistar Team and even the INEOS Grenadiers have all reportedly shown an interest in Roglic and whilst Zeeman is insistent that it is not in the plans of either rider or team to part ways and the possibility of a deal being struck is slim, rumours will continue to circulate.

"Of course, certain conflicts always arise in a group of people working together, because you are dealing with different ideas and ambitions," Zeeman admits, referencing the visible power struggle within Jumbo-Visma for leadership at the Vuelta a Espana to In de Leiderstrui. The question then is how to arrive at a consensus that everyone supports. If you put a number of top riders together, it is an illusion to think that nothing will ever happen, in any way whatsoever."