Primož Roglič is poised to embark on a highly ambitious season in 2025 with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, as he sets his sights on conquering both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. This dual focus is a testament to his perseverance and determination to claim the elusive Tour title that has so far escaped him, despite a career filled with significant accolades including multiple Grand Tour victories.
The announcement of Roglič’s plans came during the team's training camp in Mallorca in December 2024. Here, he confirmed his intention to pursue the general classification in the Giro d'Italia, where he previously triumphed in 2023, before leading his team into the Tour de France. This strategy not only highlights Roglič's confidence but also the strategic planning of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe to capitalize on their recent successes. In 2024, the team demonstrated their prowess by clinching the Vuelta a España and finishing second in the Giro, setting a strong foundation for upcoming challenges.
A crucial aspect of Roglič's campaign will be the support from teammates, particularly Dani Martínez and Aleksandr Vlasov. Martínez, who finished second in the 2024 Giro, brings invaluable experience and climbing ability, making him an essential ally for Roglič as they tackle the mountainous stages of both Grand Tours. Vlasov will also play a pivotal role, especially in the climbs where races are often decided, ensuring that Roglič has the backing he needs to stay competitive in the high-stakes environment of the Tour.
In preparation for these monumental challenges, Roglič has scheduled participation in the Volta ao Algarve and Volta a Catalunya as warm-up races. Although he admitted that victory in the Algarve may not be his primary focus, these events will serve as crucial testing grounds for his form and fitness. The meticulous planning behind his race calendar underscores the importance of strategic preparation, especially when aiming for success in two of cycling's most grueling competitions.
The team’s dynamics will also be significant in 2025, as Roglič assumes the leadership role for both the Giro and the Tour. The backing from Red Bull has enabled the team to bolster its roster with new signings, enhancing their competitive edge. The addition of riders like Oier Lazkano, Giulio Pellizzari, Laurence Pithie, and Finn Fisher-Black indicates a commitment to creating a versatile and deep squad capable of tackling the diverse challenges posed by Grand Tours and one-day races alike.
Beyond the immediate goals of winning races, Roglič's ambitions also reflect a deeper narrative about his cycling legacy. Despite his impressive resume, which includes four Vuelta a España titles and an Olympic gold medal, the Tour de France remains a glaring omission. His recent humorous remarks about scheduling races around Tadej Pogačar’s presence illustrate the competitive landscape in which he operates. The rivalry between Roglič and Pogačar adds a compelling layer to the upcoming season, likely drawing fans and media attention as they compete head-to-head.
This rivalry not only enhances the drama of the Tour de France but also raises questions about the mental and physical stamina required to compete at such a high level. The decision to aim for both the Giro and the Tour entails considerable risk; managing fatigue and optimizing performance will be essential. The performance staff of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe will play a crucial role in balancing training loads and ensuring Roglič remains in peak condition throughout the season.
The investment from Red Bull has not only amplified the team’s budget but has also brought a renewed focus on innovation, including collaborations with specialized equipment suppliers. Such partnerships are anticipated to contribute to advancements in performance technology, which could play a pivotal role in ensuring that Roglič and his teammates have the best possible tools at their disposal during competition.
As the 2025 season approaches, the cycling community will be watching closely to see if Roglič can finally secure the Tour de France title that has eluded him for so long. His journey is emblematic of the broader struggles and triumphs faced by elite athletes. While the stakes are undeniably high, Roglič's proven track record and the strategic support of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe position him as a formidable contender. The coming months promise to be a thrilling chapter in the storied career of one of cycling's most talented riders, as he seeks to etch his name into the annals of cycling history.
The announcement of Roglič’s plans came during the team's training camp in Mallorca in December 2024. Here, he confirmed his intention to pursue the general classification in the Giro d'Italia, where he previously triumphed in 2023, before leading his team into the Tour de France. This strategy not only highlights Roglič's confidence but also the strategic planning of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe to capitalize on their recent successes. In 2024, the team demonstrated their prowess by clinching the Vuelta a España and finishing second in the Giro, setting a strong foundation for upcoming challenges.
A crucial aspect of Roglič's campaign will be the support from teammates, particularly Dani Martínez and Aleksandr Vlasov. Martínez, who finished second in the 2024 Giro, brings invaluable experience and climbing ability, making him an essential ally for Roglič as they tackle the mountainous stages of both Grand Tours. Vlasov will also play a pivotal role, especially in the climbs where races are often decided, ensuring that Roglič has the backing he needs to stay competitive in the high-stakes environment of the Tour.
In preparation for these monumental challenges, Roglič has scheduled participation in the Volta ao Algarve and Volta a Catalunya as warm-up races. Although he admitted that victory in the Algarve may not be his primary focus, these events will serve as crucial testing grounds for his form and fitness. The meticulous planning behind his race calendar underscores the importance of strategic preparation, especially when aiming for success in two of cycling's most grueling competitions.
The team’s dynamics will also be significant in 2025, as Roglič assumes the leadership role for both the Giro and the Tour. The backing from Red Bull has enabled the team to bolster its roster with new signings, enhancing their competitive edge. The addition of riders like Oier Lazkano, Giulio Pellizzari, Laurence Pithie, and Finn Fisher-Black indicates a commitment to creating a versatile and deep squad capable of tackling the diverse challenges posed by Grand Tours and one-day races alike.
Beyond the immediate goals of winning races, Roglič's ambitions also reflect a deeper narrative about his cycling legacy. Despite his impressive resume, which includes four Vuelta a España titles and an Olympic gold medal, the Tour de France remains a glaring omission. His recent humorous remarks about scheduling races around Tadej Pogačar’s presence illustrate the competitive landscape in which he operates. The rivalry between Roglič and Pogačar adds a compelling layer to the upcoming season, likely drawing fans and media attention as they compete head-to-head.
This rivalry not only enhances the drama of the Tour de France but also raises questions about the mental and physical stamina required to compete at such a high level. The decision to aim for both the Giro and the Tour entails considerable risk; managing fatigue and optimizing performance will be essential. The performance staff of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe will play a crucial role in balancing training loads and ensuring Roglič remains in peak condition throughout the season.
The investment from Red Bull has not only amplified the team’s budget but has also brought a renewed focus on innovation, including collaborations with specialized equipment suppliers. Such partnerships are anticipated to contribute to advancements in performance technology, which could play a pivotal role in ensuring that Roglič and his teammates have the best possible tools at their disposal during competition.
As the 2025 season approaches, the cycling community will be watching closely to see if Roglič can finally secure the Tour de France title that has eluded him for so long. His journey is emblematic of the broader struggles and triumphs faced by elite athletes. While the stakes are undeniably high, Roglič's proven track record and the strategic support of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe position him as a formidable contender. The coming months promise to be a thrilling chapter in the storied career of one of cycling's most talented riders, as he seeks to etch his name into the annals of cycling history.