Primoz Roglic faces a pivotal moment: Will he adapt or fade away? The arrival of Remco Evenepoel at Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe throws Roglic's leadership into question, demanding "honest conversations" about his future role within the team as they gear up for the 2026 season. It's a shake-up that could redefine everything.
The 35-year-old Slovenian cycling legend is advocating for "realistic goals" and "clear planning" after a 2025 season marked by both impressive victories and frustrating setbacks. He understands that the landscape is changing rapidly, and he needs to adapt to remain competitive. But here's where it gets controversial... will he truly be content taking a back seat?
Next season promises a dramatically different team dynamic. The headline is, of course, the high-profile signing of Belgian phenom Remco Evenepoel. This alone is a seismic shift. Add to that the departure of key sporting directors Rolf Aldag and Enrico Gasparotto, replaced by Zak Dempster as head DS, and you have a team undergoing a complete transformation. These changes aren't just cosmetic; they could fundamentally alter the team's strategy and, crucially, Roglic's place within it.
"Now that the season is over, we need to sit down and figure out what the plan is for next year," Roglic stated, emphasizing the need to chart a course with this revamped squad. "Last year it was new to me, this year it changed again with Red Bull, and now with Remco and the departure of some key people, it’s another big shift. There’s quite a bit of work ahead to get to know all the new faces.” It's worth noting that Roglic only joined the team in 2024, so he's already experiencing significant upheaval in a short time.
From undisputed leader to tactical mastermind? Evenepoel's presence undeniably reshapes the team's power structure. For perhaps the first time in many years, Roglic might enter the Tour de France without the guaranteed status of team leader – or even a guaranteed starting spot. And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about leadership; it's about control and influence within the team.
However, Roglic seems surprisingly receptive to this shift. "This is actually a good thing," he commented on Evenepoel's arrival. "It might allow me to step back a little, if I can put it like that. In terms of all the responsibilities around racing, we now have someone younger who can attract a lot of attention. Hopefully that gives me a bit more peace and freedom — even when it comes to how I race.” He suggests that having Evenepoel shoulder some of the pressure and media attention could actually benefit him. It's a pragmatic perspective from a rider who remains highly respected but also acutely aware of the realities of professional cycling as his career progresses. He might be thinking, 'let the young gun take the heat while I conserve my energy for crucial moments.'
"I just want to be a bike rider." Despite persistent rumors linking him to other teams, Roglic has consistently dismissed them. "I didn’t really comment on any of that," he said, reaffirming his commitment to his current contract. His priority now is minimizing distractions and focusing solely on racing. "The peace I’m talking about is simply being a rider. Just doing the things the coach tells me, without worrying about extra stuff like nutrition, aerodynamics or equipment. The team has grown, and there are people for all of that now. I can really just be a cyclist. That’s enough.” This suggests a desire to simplify his life and focus on his core strength: riding his bike.
Realistic goals in a Pogacar-dominated era. Even with a potentially diminished leadership role, Roglic remains a valuable asset. Even after experiencing setbacks in 2025, he still managed an eighth-place finish at the Tour de France and played a key role in supporting Florian Lipowitz's podium finish. His tactical acumen and vast experience could prove crucial in Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe's efforts to challenge the seemingly unbeatable Tadej Pogacar and his dominant UAE Team Emirates squad. Consider this: Roglic's experience could be the secret weapon against Pogacar's raw power.
"There are so many races out there," Roglic mused. "I’ve won some, but there are still plenty I haven’t. But the reality is what it is. We need to sit down, think carefully and have real conversations about what’s possible and what isn’t. I want honest conversations and realistic goals.” He acknowledges the dominance of Pogacar and the need for a realistic assessment of the team's chances against such a formidable opponent.
The Pogacar puzzle: Can a three-pronged attack work? When asked if a leadership trio of himself, Evenepoel, and Lipowitz could be the key to dethroning Pogacar, Roglic responded with a knowing smile. "Anything’s possible. But reality is something else entirely. Whichever way you look at it, something’s still missing. On the other hand, if we can spread the pressure across three riders instead of one, maybe there’s a better chance. But let’s be honest — UAE isn’t exactly weak. We’ll see.” He recognizes the inherent challenges in overcoming Pogacar's strength but also hints at the potential benefits of a multi-pronged strategy. But is this just wishful thinking? Could too many leaders actually hinder the team's performance?
For Roglic, the coming months represent a period of re-evaluation and role definition. After years of being the central figure, 2026 could mark the beginning of a new phase – not as the undisputed leader, but as an essential component of a larger tactical framework. It's a chance to prove his adaptability and continue contributing at the highest level.
What do you think? Can Roglic successfully transition into this new role? Will the "honest conversations" he seeks actually lead to a winning strategy, or will the clash of egos and ambitions ultimately derail the team's chances? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you believe Roglic is truly content with a supporting role, or is there a simmering ambition that could lead to conflict?
