As the 2026 cycling season approaches, Primož Roglič finds himself in a contemplative mood, reflecting on a decade at the WorldTour level and the prospects of what may be his final year in competitive cycling. Now nearing his 36th birthday, Roglič shared his thoughts during an exclusive end-of-season interview with Cyclingnews.
“I’m still here, you know, I’m still riding the bike,” Roglič stated, underscoring his commitment to continue competing with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe through 2026. He acknowledges the ups and downs of his cycling career, saying, “My whole career has had its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change anything, even the crashes and disappointments. Cycling is a challenge but teaches you about yourself and life.” He emphasized the joy cycling brings him, describing it as a daily struggle that ultimately enhances his life experiences.
Roglič’s upcoming season will include team bonding activities this week in Salzburg, Austria, where he will join teammates including Remco Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre. The gathering serves as a welcome break from competitive pressures, allowing for medical assessments, planning sessions, and vital time spent together as a team.
Since joining the German team in 2024, Roglič has taken on a leadership role. With Evenepoel emerging as a key contender, it is anticipated that he will share team leadership responsibilities, particularly at significant events like the Tour de France, following Lipowitz’s impressive third-place finish in July. Despite the shift in hierarchy, Roglič remains unfazed, expressing confidence in the team’s collaborative future.
Recent comments from Roglič, including the phrase “we’ll see, uh?” have led to speculation about his future and potential team dynamics with Evenepoel. In an interview with Eurosport, he elaborated, “I said that because I don’t really want to think about the future; we don’t even know if we are alive next year.” His focus remains on the present, stating, “I take life day by day, happy that I’m still here and still riding my bike.”
Roglič reflected on his career achievements, noting that he transitioned from a ski jumper to a professional cyclist later in life. “I’m really happy that I had the chance and that I took it,” he said, emphasizing the rarity of such opportunities in the sport.
While Roglič and Evenepoel share similarities as athletes, they are at different stages in their careers. Roglič pointed out that their true competition lies with riders like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, rather than against each other. “We have bigger opponents to try to compete against, why should we compete against each other?” he quipped, reflecting a team-oriented mindset.
Looking forward to the season, Roglič expressed excitement about sharing leadership responsibilities. “Remco’s arrival is a good thing. It means I can step aside a bit from all the responsibility and all the things outside of cycling,” he said. He anticipates a more balanced approach next year, allowing him to focus on his performance as a cyclist.
The 2025 season was emblematic of Roglič’s career, filled with successes, setbacks, and remarkable comebacks. He excelled at the Volta a Catalunya, where he secured the overall victory, but faced challenges during the Giro d’Italia, including a significant crash that forced him to abandon the race. Despite these hurdles, Roglič finished the Tour de France in eighth place, a testament to his resilience.
Reflecting on his tumultuous season, he remarked, “I’d definitely have liked more, especially after all the training and all the work I did. But a cycling season, like life, depends on how you look at it.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive perspective, saying, “Everything happens for a reason, so I take it all, good or bad.”
Roglič’s humor remains intact despite his challenges. Responding to critics who interpreted his demeanor at the start of the Tour as disinterest, he joked, “If I didn’t care, then I would be on Bora, Bora island, not in Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.”
As the 2026 season unfolds, Roglič hints at a sense of closure regarding his Tour de France experiences. “I can draw a line under the Tour now, without any bad feelings,” he stated, indicating a level of satisfaction with his cycling journey. “As long as you are doing something you enjoy, you still want to win, you want to do your best. That’s how I feel about cycling now.”
Roglič’s reflections offer a glimpse into the mindset of an athlete who has navigated the complexities of a demanding sport while remaining grounded in his love for cycling. As he approaches the next chapter of his career, his dedication to the sport and his teammates continues to shine through.
