Roglic to Focus on Vuelta Title, Skips 2025 Tour de France

Slovenian cyclist Primoz Roglic has announced that he will not compete in the 2025 Tour de France, opting instead to concentrate on securing a record fifth title at the Vuelta a Espana. The decision comes after a mixed performance in the Tour, where Roglic finished eighth overall in 2024, far behind compatriot Tadej Pogacar, who secured his fourth Tour title earlier this year.

At 36 years old, Roglic has enjoyed significant success at the Vuelta, winning his fourth title in 2024 and matching the record set by Spanish cyclist Roberto Heras. However, his experience at the Tour de France has not mirrored this level of achievement. Roglic’s closest finish came in 2020 when he was the runner-up to Pogacar.

In a statement reflecting his current priorities, Roglic emphasized the importance of realistic goals. “If I can choose one race to win, I would sign the Tour de France,” he told reporters. “But the reality is different. The level at which I was finishing was different, and I must focus my energy on being competitive and aiming for victories.”

The cycling community anticipates Roglic’s next move as he prepares for the Vuelta. His commitment to this race suggests a strategic focus on achieving personal milestones rather than competing in the Tour de France, where he believes his chances are less favorable.

Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe confirmed that their leadership for the upcoming Tour de France will be led by Remco Evenepoel from Belgium and Florian Lipowitz from Germany. This shift in focus allows Roglic to channel his efforts towards the Vuelta, where he aims to solidify his legacy with a fifth victory.

Roglic, who also claimed the Giro d’Italia title in 2023, has not only excelled in multi-stage races but also secured a gold medal in the time trial at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. His achievements underscore his versatility and competitiveness across various formats in cycling.

As the cycling season progresses, fans and analysts will be closely watching Roglic’s preparations for the Vuelta, where he will seek to make history and further cement his status as one of the sport’s elite competitors.