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.”
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.
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.