"You never know what next year will bring" - Has Primoz Roglic discovered how to defeat Tadej Pogacar?

Primoz Roglic has completed his first season with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, and the question of whether he can finally overcome his compatriot and cycling’s current leading force, Tadej Pogacar, looms larger than ever.

Roglic’s 2024 season was a rollercoaster, as he stormed to victory at the Critérium du Dauphiné, only to suffer yet another heartbreaking crash in the Tour de France. But in typical Roglic fashion, he rebounded spectacularly, winning the Vuelta a España for the fourth time in September. His victory also marked an unprecedented achievement for Slovenian cycling in 2024, with the nation claiming all three Grand Tours, Roglic took the Vuelta, while Pogacar clinched both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.

Read also

INEOS Grenadiers reshuffle continues: "We are going to spend the rest of this year making positive changes"

Pogacar, riding for UAE Team Emirates, cemented his place at the pinnacle of world cycling this year by completing the elusive triple crown. With his Giro, Tour, and World Championship titles, Pogacar was unchallenged as the number one rider, setting a standard few can hope to match.

Yet Roglic remains undeterred. Speaking to Cyclingnews about his 2025 ambitions, he expressed his enduring desire to win the Tour de France. “That is something I would always like to do,” he shared. “But on the other hand, when I think about next season now, I mainly want to improve myself in a few aspects and grow as a team.”

Read also

Former Tour de France stage winner reflects on year without a grand tour: "I would have really liked to ride the Tour"

Despite acknowledging the enormous challenge of beating Pogacar, Roglic’s determination shines through. “Where he is at the moment, he is really unbeatable, or hard to match. But you never know what next year will bring, Tadej might be even better,” he admitted, showing his respect for Pogacar’s incredible form.

Roglic’s strategy for beating Pogacar seems intriguingly simple yet bold. When asked about how he might approach next season, he quipped, “By checking his program and then riding exactly the opposite.” This response, delivered with a smile, reflects Roglic’s philosophy, instead of obsessing over Pogacar’s form, Roglic wants to focus on his own performance. “We have no influence on his form, but if I can be the best version of myself I can always let it go,” he explained.

Read also

"They both said separately that they had been tricked by the other" - Robert Gesink recalls heartbreak story from 2022 Vuelta when Evenepoel and Mas denied his stage victory

For Roglic, this mindset may be key. While he has yet to announce his 2025 race schedule, it’s clear that his approach will be shaped by a desire to sharpen his own abilities and race craft, regardless of what Pogacar chooses to do. Roglic’s experience and tactical acumen, combined with his fresh start at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, could be exactly what he needs to stage a serious challenge for cycling’s biggest prize.

Will Roglic’s pursuit of the yellow jersey finally bear fruit in 2025? Only time will tell if this strategy, focused on self-improvement and flexibility, is the answer to the Pogacar puzzle. For now, Roglic remains undaunted, eyes firmly set on the future as he seeks to close the gap on his formidable countryman.