"You feel old when you are a lot slower than them" - Primoz Roglic on emerging young generation

The upcoming generation is quickly taking over cycling, as the likes of Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel and many others begin to take wins at the biggest races of the year. Primoz Roglic got into the sport late, and is currently one of the most prominent figures that have kept up with the new pace in the peloton.

"Not really. He didn't have to show me he was that good. He already won enough big races before the Vuelta. Everyone knew what a great talent and super strong guy he is. I was ready to have a big duel with him in the final week of the Vuelta," Roglic said in an interview with Wielerflits. "I was really looking forward to those last mountain stages. You saw that I started cycling better every day and that I got in better shape in that Vuelta. Unfortunately…"

The Slovenian endured a very rough year with several abandons due to crashes. He's won Paris-Nice and the Critérium du Dauphiné however he's felt the increasing pressure from young riders who have battled with him throughout the season. Remco Evenepoel was the perfect example, having led the Vuelta a Espana in front of the Slovenian throughout almost two weeks.

“I think it is a good development. They raise the bar and ensure that we also have to improve ourselves. I like competition, I think that's a healthy thing in sport. It creates competition and raises the bar," he continued. "There are always young riders and a new generation is emerging. I'm not into it that much. I have no influence on their development and prefer to focus on the things I can do something about myself. I have to make sure that I improve myself and that I can come forward at my best.”

“You feel old when you are a lot slower than them. If I still get my good shape, then I don't notice that age difference much," the 33-year old concluded.