BORA – hansgrohe have unveiled their strategic lineup for the Tour de France, headlined by Primoz Roglic, who quietly enters the race poised for redemption. Although the German team fields only three pure climbers, their robust support across all terrains ensures Roglic remains a serious contender for the podium.
Rolf Aldag, the team’s Sporting Director, expressed firm belief in Roglic’s resilience: “Certainly, we believe in him. History shows whenever Primoz faces adversity, he returns even stronger. It’s his nature. It’s not mere optimism—it’s supported by concrete data and performance metrics. He’s ready.”
Aldag underscored the importance of team cohesion in avoiding mishaps, particularly crashes, emphasizing meticulous preparation. “We must stay unified, know the route inside out, and anticipate challenges. Still, cycling is unpredictable, but our preparation is unmatched this year.”
Strong Team Support and Tactical Balance
Roglic’s support will come primarily from Florian Lipowitz, serving as co-leader, and Aleksandr Vlasov, taking on the critical role of a super domestique. Meanwhile, the team’s remaining riders will balance efforts, assisting Jordi Meeus in sprint finishes and ensuring climbers remain well-positioned through the treacherous mountain stages.
While Tadej Pogacar enters as the clear favorite, Aldag emphasizes the human factor that makes cycling thrillingly unpredictable: “Remember when Tadej collapsed on the microphone, utterly drained? Cycling isn’t about robots—it’s about humans. That leaves room for both errors and extraordinary performances.”
Resilience Amid Recent Setbacks
Roglic recently faced yet another Grand Tour disappointment, abandoning the Giro d’Italia due to injury. Yet, this setback hasn’t derailed his preparation. Aldag reassured that Roglic thrives on overcoming adversity: “He loves altitude training, maintains his focus, and quickly moves past disappointments. He’s mentally and physically ready for the Tour.”
The Sporting Director also highlighted a key aspect of Roglic’s evolution—maturity and stability in his personal life. “Primoz isn’t a young rockstar anymore; he’s a family man. That balance strengthens him and prevents distractions.”
The Underdog Advantage?
Last year’s crash, which prematurely ended Roglic’s podium dreams, hasn’t diminished his status among rivals. Aldag pointed out that while Pogacar’s current form is undeniable, the peloton would be wise not to underestimate Roglic: “Do people seriously believe they’d let Primoz slip into an early breakaway with a five-minute lead?”
Roglic’s explosive acceleration, comparable to rivals Pogacar and Vingegaard, remains a formidable weapon. Aldag concludes confidently: “Primoz still possesses that lethal kick. We may not dictate pace early on, but when the decisive moment arrives, he’ll be right there.”
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