“When the race stopped being interesting, they went after him” – Slovenian ex-pro hits back at critics of Primoz Roglic’s Romandie ride

The reaction to Primoz Roglic’s Tour de Romandie has been hard to ignore. Across the week, his race was picked apart, particularly after stepping away from general classification contention on stage 2, where he conceded more than two minutes on a day that did not appear decisive on paper.

That ride drew sharp criticism, including from former Vuelta a Espana winner Chris Horner, who questioned both his positioning and intent, adding to a growing narrative around the Slovenian’s role and level within the race.

Former Slovenian professional Kristijan Koren sees it differently. “When journalists saw the race was no longer that interesting, they went after him,” he said in the Tour 202 podcast, pushing back on the tone that built around Roglic’s performance.

Roglic’s position in Romandie was clear as the week unfolded. He worked in support and allowed time to go on stages where the general classification was no longer his focus. That decision also opened the door for a different approach later in the race, including his move into the breakaway on the queen stage. “Primoz did everything he could for his leader,” Koren said.

That line sits at the centre of the week. The time losses that drew criticism came within that role and within a wider team plan. “He knows how others helped him in the past.”

Experience shapes that approach. It is a role built on understanding how races are won across a team rather than by one rider alone.

Koren also addressed the question of level. “He is much stronger than some commentators suggested,” insisted the former Slovenian national champion.

Roglic’s ride on the final stage added to that view. On the climb to Leysin, he remained part of the reduced group behind Tadej Pogacar and Florian Lipowitz, finishing the stage in contention with the next group rather than fading out of the race entirely.

There is also a clear view of where Roglic stands in his career. “His age is starting to show, and of course he is still hungry for a win, which he hasn’t had for a while.”

Freed from general classification pressure later in the week, Roglic was able to race more openly. His presence in the breakaway did not lead to a stage result, but it showed a willingness to animate the race once his primary role had been completed.

The wider questions are not going away. His position alongside riders such as Florian Lipowitz will continue to be examined, and each performance will be viewed through that lens.

Koren’s view places the focus on the work Roglic carried out across the week and the level he still brings. Romandie offered a clear example of both.