As the clock ticks down to the start of the 2024 Vuelta a España, three-time winner Primož Roglič finds himself in a familiar yet challenging position.
Still recovering from a severe crash in the 2024 Tour de France, the Slovenian champion faces a tough test of both his physical and mental resilience.
Despite his injuries, Roglič remains the team leader for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, a squad packed with talent including Giro d’Italia runner-up Dani Martínez, the ever-strong Aleksandr Vlasov, and rising German star Florian Lipowitz.
Roglič’s Current Condition: Lingering Pain and Uncertainty
Primož Roglič has not raced since his brutal crash on stage 12 of the 2024 Tour de France, where he fractured a vertebrae in his back.
As the Vuelta approaches, Roglič admits that the pain is still very much present, raising questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Pain | Lingering back pain due to a fractured vertebrae. |
| Mental Impact | Struggling with the psychological toll of the crash. |
| Recovery Status | No races since the Tour; ongoing recovery, unsure of race impact. |
“I still feel it, especially with my back, I need some time,” Roglič acknowledged. “By the end of the Vuelta, it should be fine, but it’s not something that improves overnight. I’m optimistic, though; every day, it gets a little better.”
Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe’s Vuelta Roster: Strength in Depth
Roglič leads a formidable Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team in the Vuelta, with a lineup designed to support his bid for a fourth overall victory.
The team’s strategy will likely involve protecting Roglič in the early stages as he gauges his form, while keeping other potential leaders like Martínez and Vlasov in strong positions.
| Rider | Role | Previous Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Primož Roglič | Team Leader | 3x Vuelta a España Winner |
| Dani Martínez | Key Support/Co-Leader | Giro d’Italia Runner-Up |
| Aleksandr Vlasov | All-Rounder/Climber | Top 5 in Grand Tours |
| Florian Lipowitz | Domestique/Up-and-Coming Star | Rising talent in German cycling |
The Roglič-Kuss Rivalry: Former Teammates Face Off
In a twist of fate, Roglič will be competing against his former Jumbo-Visma teammate Sepp Kuss, the defending Vuelta champion.
The two shared the podium last year, with Kuss taking his first Grand Tour victory and Roglič finishing third. Their rivalry adds an intriguing layer to this year’s race.
| Aspect | Roglič | Kuss |
|---|---|---|
| Team | Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe | Visma-Lease a Bike |
| 2023 Vuelta Finish | 3rd Place | 1st Place |
| Current Status | Recovering from injury | Defending Champion, in strong form |
“It’s definitely strange to race against Kuss after so many years together,” Roglič remarked. “But it’s a nice challenge, and we’ll both be aiming for the best results.”
Roglič’s Vuelta Goals: A Cautious Approach
Given his recent injury and lack of race time, Roglič is adopting a cautious approach to the Vuelta. While his history in the race and his ability to bounce back from adversity make him a favorite, Roglič himself is focused on taking things day by day.
| Key Focus Areas | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Recovery | Continual improvement, assessing pain during the race. |
| Mental Fortitude | Overcoming the psychological impact of the Tour de France crash. |
| Team Strategy | Relying on teammates while gauging his own form. |
| Overall Ambition | Aiming for the best possible result, with winning being the ultimate goal. |
“Honestly, it’s just good to be here at the start,” Roglič said. “We’ll see how things go, and based on that, I’ll decide how to race. The best outcome would be to win, but I have to be realistic and see where we stand.”
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Roglič
As the 2024 Vuelta a España begins, all eyes will be on Primož Roglič. Despite the pain and uncertainty, his determination to compete at the highest level remains undiminished.
Whether he can turn this year’s challenges into another triumphant comeback remains to be seen, but if history is any indication, Roglič is not one to be underestimated.
Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of the 2024 Vuelta a España, where we will bring you the latest news, analysis, and insights from every stage of the race.
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