Primož Roglič is one of the most fascinating stories in modern cycling. He didn’t start racing bikes as a kid — in fact, he began his athletic life as a ski jumper. A serious injury and then a pivot later, he re-invented himself and became one of cycling’s most successful figures. In this article I’ll walk you through his journey, his strengths, his major victories, and what makes Roglič a rider worth studying.
Early Life & Transition to Cycling
Roots in Slovenia and Ski Jumping
- Roglič was born on 29 October 1989 in Trbovlje, Slovenia.
- From a young age, he practiced ski jumping. In 2007, he was part of the Slovenian junior team that won gold in a team ski jumping event.
- However, as he matured, his prospects in ski jumping stalled. By about 2011–2012, Roglič retired from ski jumping and sought new athletic paths.
Late Start in Cycling & Rapid Progress
- He started cycling more seriously in his early 20s. As he later recalled, he’d ridden only about 2,000 km in his lifetime before going all in on cycling.
- A key turning point: he sold his motorcycle, bought a road bike, and began racing in amateur events. He caught the attention of cycling mentors such as Andrej Hauptman (a former pro) who helped guide his development.
- Despite lacking racing experience, Roglič showed climbing strength and poise under pressure almost immediately.
His story is compelling: not a “cycling prodigy,” but someone who redefined himself, working with grit and adaptability.
Riding Style & Strengths
Image source: TNT Sports
Primož Roglič is often described as an all-rounder — not the pure climber nor only a time-trial specialist, but someone with a capacity to perform in a variety of terrains and formats.
| Trait | Description / Evidence |
| Time Trialing | Roglič has won many individual time trials in stage races and Grand Tours. |
| Stage Racing | He targets overall (General Classification) success, not just stage wins. |
| Consistency Over Three Weeks | His multiple Grand Tour wins show he can maintain form and adapt over three-week races. |
| Mental Resilience | His comeback from injury, managing crashes, and adapting strategy show psychological strength. |
| Versatility | He can handle mountain stages, time trials, and rolling terrain — making him dangerous across varied courses. |
That blend of skills and mental toughness is a key reason why Roglič stands out.
Major Achievements & Milestones
Image source: BikeTips
Roglič’s palmarès (list of victories) is already impressive. Below are some of his career highlights:
- Grand Tours
• Vuelta a España – Winner in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024 (tying the record of four wins)
• Giro d’Italia – Winner in 2023, becoming the first Slovenian to win the Giro
• Multiple stage wins in all three Grand Tours - One-Week Stage Races & Classics
• Tour de Romandie winner (2018, 2019)
• Liège–Bastogne–Liège winner (2020)
• Tour of the Basque Country (various wins) - Olympics & Other Honors
• Olympic Gold Medal, Individual Time Trial, Tokyo 2021 — Slovenia’s first Olympic cycling medal
• He has held the UCI World No. 1 Road Ranking for many weeks (for instance, between 2019 and 2021)
• Awarded Slovenia’s Golden Order of Merit by the President for his sporting achievements and his role in promoting Slovenian sport internationally
Career Evolution & Recent Years
Teams and Moves
- Roglič raced under LottoNL–Jumbo / Jumbo-Visma from 2016 to 2023, where he built his Grand Tour credentials.
- In late 2023, he transferred to Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe (also called Red Bull – BORA – Hansgrohe) for the 2024 season onward.
2024 & Beyond
- In 2024, he reclaimed the Vuelta a España title, adding a fourth victory to his Vuelta tally.
- There are interesting dynamics in his team now: as Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe invests heavily in Grand Tour ambitions, Roglič may share or coordinate leadership roles with emerging stars.
- For the 2025 season, he continues to compete at a top level, targeting Grand Tours and one-week races, though faced with new challenges from younger rivals and injuries.
His career trajectory is still evolving — he remains a central figure in the current and next generation of elite cycling.
What Sets Roglič Apart
Image source: Cycling Weekly
- Late Start, Fast Rise
Most top cyclists begin in their teens. Roglič’s pivot from ski jumping to pro cycling in his early 20s is rare and gives his story dramatic weight. - No Weakness Zone
He doesn’t overly specialize; he performs across terrains and across race types. - Race Intelligence
He’s often praised for tactical acumen — knowing when to attack, how to pace, and how to read rivals. - Resilience to Crashes / Setbacks
Over his career, he’s had crashes, time losses, injuries — yet he frequently bounces back. - National Icon Status
In Slovenia, Roglič is more than an athlete. He’s a symbol of resilience and national pride, especially given how cycling has grown in Slovenia alongside Tadej Pogačar and others.
Potential Challenges & Risks
- Physical wear & tear: After many seasons and crashes, injury risk grows.
- Younger competitors: Riders like Remco Evenepoel, Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogačar push the envelope.
- Team dynamics: Sharing leadership or changing roles may require adjustments in strategy.
- Consistency across three weeks: Even great riders falter — sustaining form, morale, and health is always a challenge.
Also Read: Brandon mcnulty
FAQs
Why is it surprising that Primož Roglič switched from ski jumping to cycling?
Ski jumping and road cycling require very different physical and technical skills, so making the switch — especially later in life — is rare. Yet Roglič adapted remarkably and went on to achieve elite success.
How many Grand Tours has Primož Roglič won?
Roglič has won five Grand Tours: four editions of the Vuelta a España (2019, 2020, 2021, 2024) and one Giro d’Italia in 2023.
Has Primož Roglič ever won the Tour de France?
No, Roglič has not won the Tour de France overall yet. His best finish came in 2020, when he secured second place in the general classification.
What is Primož Roglič’s role at Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe?
He serves as a team leader and Grand Tour contender. However, with rising young talent on the team, his leadership role may evolve, requiring greater strategic flexibility.
What makes Primož Roglič’s career so inspirational?
His story of switching sports, overcoming setbacks, starting late, and still achieving consistent success at the highest level makes Roglič a true example of resilience and reinvention.
Final Thoughts
Primož Roglič’s journey from ski jumper to Grand Tour champion is one of cycling’s most inspiring transformations. His late start in the sport never held him back — if anything, it fueled his determination to climb faster, time trial stronger, and race smarter than his rivals. With victories at the Vuelta a España, Giro d’Italia, and countless stage races, Roglič has proven that resilience and reinvention can rewrite destiny. And as he continues to chase cycling’s biggest prizes, one thing is clear: Primož Roglič isn’t done adding chapters to his extraordinary story.
Feature image source: We Love Cycling
