Winning the Tour de France Will Be a Challenge for Primoz Roglic Despite Historic 4th Vuelta Title,”

“Winning the Tour de France Will Be a Challenge for Primoz Roglic Despite Historic 4th Vuelta Title,” Says Jose De Cauwer

Primoz Roglic etched his name in cycling history by securing a record-tying fourth Vuelta a España title in Madrid, capping off an impressive debut season with Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. His victory in Spain adds to his tally of Grand Tour triumphs, further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s modern legends. Yet, despite his dominant form in both the Vuelta and the Giro d’Italia, the Slovenian has yet to conquer the most prestigious prize in cycling: the Tour de France.

Renowned cycling commentator Jose De Cauwer, in his post-Vuelta analysis for **Sporza**, reflected on Roglic’s long and eventful career. “He’s a strange character, isn’t he? He’s been through so much, but he’s a phenomenal rider,” De Cauwer remarked. He recalled Roglic’s breakthrough at the 2016 Giro d’Italia, where the Slovenian nearly bested Tom Dumoulin in the opening time trial. “You look at where he started—coming from Adria Mobil—and you think, what a career he’s built since then. He’s had some nasty crashes, but every time, he comes back stronger.”

With five Grand Tour titles now to his name, including his latest Vuelta triumph, Roglic has cemented his reputation as one of the best Grand Tour riders of his generation. However, the elusive Maillot Jaune from the Tour de France remains missing from his glittering resume. At 35 years old, time may be running out for Roglic to achieve his dream of completing the Grand Tour trifecta. De Cauwer raised doubts about Roglic’s ability to finally claim cycling’s ultimate prize. “Maybe another podium in the Tour would mean just as much to him at this point as winning another Grand Tour. But actually winning the Tour—now that’s going to be a tough ask.”

The physical toll of Roglic’s career is also a concern. Over the years, he has suffered from several severe injuries, including multiple crashes that have derailed his Grand Tour campaigns. “He’s had a few bad falls already,” De Cauwer pointed out. “At this stage, I don’t know how long he’ll continue to compete at the highest level, given all that he’s been through.”

De Cauwer also weighed in on Roglic’s frustrations during the 2023 Tour de France, where internal team dynamics played a role in his performance. Roglic was forced to adapt to a new role within Jumbo-Visma, sharing leadership duties with Sepp Kuss and Jonas Vingegaard, a situation that reportedly left him unsatisfied. “Last year, he wasn’t happy because he had to fit into the team’s strategy alongside Kuss and Vingegaard. The Tour was a disappointment for him, but he still managed to win a Grand Tour. Not many riders can do that, especially after a setback.”

Despite these challenges, Roglic’s resilience and ability to bounce back after difficulties remain key strengths. His ability to reinvent himself, as shown by his successful move to Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, highlights his adaptability in an ever-changing sport. De Cauwer emphasized the magnitude of Roglic’s achievements, noting that his five Grand Tour victories place him among an elite group of riders in cycling history. “To have five Grand Tour titles and to have come so far in his career, given the challenges he’s faced, is remarkable. He’s had to fight his way through, not just against his rivals, but sometimes against his own body and the challenges that come with being a top-level cyclist.”

Roglic’s story has been one of persistence, reinvention, and unwavering determination, but the biggest question remains: can he finally conquer the Tour de France? While many, including De Cauwer, are unsure if he has the time or ability left to pull off such a feat, Roglic’s track record shows that he thrives when facing adversity. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Roglic can write the final chapter of his Grand Tour journey with a Maillot Jaune, or whether his quest for Tour glory will remain unfulfilled.

De Cauwer concluded by praising Roglic’s enduring legacy, regardless of whether he manages to win the Tour. “Five Grand Tours is an incredible achievement, and when you think about how he started his cycling career, it makes his success even more impressive. He’s fought hard against both himself and the competition, proving that he belongs among the greats.” While winning the Tour de France may remain a daunting task for Roglic, his place in cycling history is already secure.