"We need to give Tadej Pogacar space – not get in his way" – Primoz Roglic gives cryptic insight to Slovenia's leadership dynamic ahead of Kigali Worlds road race

Primoz Roglic has offered a typically oblique but telling glimpse into Slovenia’s internal dynamics ahead of Sunday’s World Championship road race in Kigali, admitting that the squad’s priority will be to give Tadej Pogacar a clear run at the Rainbow Jersey.

Speaking to 24ur.com from a high-altitude camp in Sierra Nevada, Roglic underlined the complexity of Slovenia’s enviable dilemma: balancing two of the sport’s biggest Grand Tour champions within the same nine-man line-up. “The race will certainly be very demanding, but with the way Tadej has been flying recently, we just need to give him space and not get in his way,” Roglic said. “For the rest of us, even reaching the finish will be a big fight.”

Roglic’s comments tap into a debate that has simmered throughout the build-up to Kigali. National coach Uros Murn has repeatedly underlined that Pogacar represents Slovenia’s best chance of victory and deserves the team’s full support. Former Vuelta winner Chris Horner has gone further, stressing that Pogacar’s form makes him the obvious leader while cautioning that dual leadership is rarely effective at the World Championships.

Roglic himself has historically been reluctant to spell out any hierarchy, often falling back on platitudes about letting the road decide. Yet his latest words – “not get in his way” – suggest a tacit acceptance of Pogacar’s primacy.

The 34-year-old arrives in Rwanda after an intensive training block, having skipped the time trial for health reasons. “I wasn’t in the best shape after the Tour. I needed time to recover and reset. Now I’m back in gear again, preparing for the road race,” he explained.

Roglic also acknowledged the uncertainties of racing in Africa but dismissed concerns with trademark dry humour. “I’ll only spend three nights there, which means minimal risk. I need to be there and give my best, for myself and for the team. I’ve already spoken to people in Kigali – they seem healthy, normal, and they even have internet,” he joked.

Slovenia will field a full nine-man team, including Roglic, Pogacar, Matej Mohoric and Luka Mezgec among others – a luxury few nations can match. But it is precisely this abundance of leaders that makes the question of hierarchy so delicate.

The Kigali course, stretching 267.5km and loaded with attritional climbing, will naturally favour Pogacar, who has made a habit of thriving in long, punishing races. Roglic, for his part, framed the event as “a big challenge – and I like challenges” but declined to make predictions, noting only that “the road always shows who is strongest.”

How that road reveals the power balance between Pogacar and Roglic may prove as intriguing as the race itself.