Analysis: Can Tadej Pogacar or Primoz Roglic Win the 2024…

Can Tadej Pogacar or Primoz Roglic Win the 2024 World Championships?

Slovenian cyclists Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic have dominated the 2024 Grand Tour season, winning all three major tours between them. Now, they set their sights on the UCI World Championships in Zurich, competing together on a challenging, climber-friendly course.

This marks the first time since 2021 that Pogacar and Roglic will race side by side in an international event, and Slovenia is among the top contenders to win the prestigious rainbow jersey.

An Ideal Course for Climbers

The road race in Zurich is one of the toughest World Championship routes in recent memory, featuring 4,200 meters of climbing. This is an ideal opportunity for Pogacar and Roglic, both top-tier climbers, to claim their first World Championship title. Despite their immense talent, neither has secured the rainbow jersey, though they’ve both been close, with Pogacar winning the Tour de France three times and Roglic recently earning his fourth Vuelta a España title. In Zurich, they will be among the favorites alongside riders like Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel.

Slovenia will also bring a strong supporting team, including Matej Mohoric, a potential wildcard, and versatile rider Jan Tratnik. Riders Domen Novak, Luka Mezgec, and Matevz Govekar will offer additional depth, giving Slovenia the tactical flexibility needed to handle the challenging course. However, the World Championships are notoriously difficult to control, and the course’s demands could create unpredictable outcomes.

History of Teaming Up

Pogacar and Roglic have raced together at the World Championships before, including in 2020 and 2021, but with disappointing results. In 2020, they faced tough competition on a hilly course in Imola, where Julian Alaphilippe took the victory with a well-timed solo attack. The unpredictable nature of the race made it hard for the Slovenian duo to capitalize on their individual strengths.

In 2021, a more sprint-friendly course in Flanders saw Pogacar and Roglic once again outpaced by Alaphilippe, who defended his title. Roglic has since skipped World Championships to focus on other races, leaving Pogacar to lead the Slovenian squad. Pogacar’s best World Championship result came last year in Glasgow, where he secured a bronze medal despite the course being less suited to his climbing abilities.

This year’s race in Zurich, however, offers a perfect stage for both Pogacar and Roglic. With over 4,000 meters of climbing, the course plays to their strengths as elite climbers, giving them perhaps their best chance yet to win the rainbow jersey.

Who Will Lead Slovenia?

While Pogacar is widely expected to lead the Slovenian team due to his status as one of cycling’s brightest stars, Roglic remains a serious contender. Fresh from his fourth Vuelta a España win, the 34-year-old Roglic could step up as the leader if Pogacar falters. The dynamics between these two top riders will be crucial to Slovenia’s tactics and overall success.

The World Championships are a one-day race, which adds an element of unpredictability. Pogacar’s explosive climbing makes him the favorite, but Roglic’s consistency and experience could see him take on a larger role if needed.

The Competition

Despite Slovenia’s strong team, the competition will be fierce. Reigning world champion Remco Evenepoel, known for his long-distance attacks, will be a serious threat, as will the versatile Mathieu van der Poel. Wout van Aert, another major contender, was forced to abandon the race after a crash in the Vuelta, but Pogacar and Roglic will still face strong opposition.

With Slovenia entering the 2024 UCI World Championships as a top contender, Pogacar and Roglic will have the ideal conditions to excel. Supported by a strong team and bolstered by their recent Grand Tour triumphs, they have a great shot at winning Slovenia’s first-ever rainbow jersey. However, the unpredictability of the race means anything can happen, and both Pogacar’s explosive style and Roglic’s tactical experience will be essential for victory.