Primož Roglič’s Approach to Grand Tour Racing

Primož Roglič has carved a unique path in professional cycling, transitioning from a world-class ski jumper to one of the most formidable stage racers of his generation. His race calendar is meticulously planned around the three Grand Tours—the Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and Giro d’Italia—each representing a different challenge that tests his climbing, time-trialling, and tactical skills. Understanding why these races are his favorites reveals not only his strengths but also the broader significance of these events in the sport’s hierarchy. Roglič’s success in these grueling three-week contests has cemented his reputation as a rider who excels under pressure, often delivering decisive performances on the steepest climbs and against the clock.

What sets Roglič apart is his ability to adapt his strategy to the unique demands of each Grand Tour. Whether battling the relentless heat of Spain, the unpredictable weather of Italy, or the chaotic intensity of France, he consistently demonstrates a blend of raw power and calculated aggression. His favorite races are not merely stages on a calendar—they are the ultimate proving grounds where careers are defined and legacies are forged. For Roglič, winning these races is about more than personal glory; it is about asserting dominance in a sport that rewards consistency, endurance, and mental fortitude.

The Tour de France: The Pinnacle of Global Cycling

For any professional cyclist, the Tour de France is the holy grail. Roglič has targeted the Tour multiple times, finishing as runner-up in 2020 after a dramatic final time trial and returning as a favorite in subsequent editions. The race’s 21 stages traditionally include punishing Alpine and Pyrenean climbs, individual and team time trials, and flat sprints that require precision positioning. Roglič’s versatility makes him a serious contender: he can time-trial with the best and climb alongside pure specialists. His favorite memories from the Tour likely include stage victories and wearing the yellow jersey, even if the overall win has so far eluded him.

The Tour de France matters because it captivates a global audience and generates immense media coverage, making it the most visible platform for cyclists. Winning or even performing strongly in the Tour can elevate a rider’s career overnight. Roglič’s consistent top-five finishes and stage wins demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level, and his continued focus on this race shows that he believes a yellow jersey victory is within reach. The race’s combination of history, prestige, and extreme difficulty makes it a favorite for fans and riders alike.

Externally, the Tour de France has been a showcase for Roglič’s resilience. In 2020, he held the yellow jersey until the penultimate stage, only to lose it in a stunning time-trial turnaround to Tadej Pogačar. That defeat, rather than diminishing his stature, highlighted his fighting spirit. He returned in 2021 and 2022, winning stages and supporting team tactics. For Roglič, the Tour remains the ultimate challenge, and every edition offers a chance to write a new chapter in his storied career.

The Vuelta a España: A Spanish Stronghold

If the Tour de France is Roglič’s obsession, the Vuelta a España is his throne. He has won the overall classification three times (2019, 2020, 2021), making him one of the most successful riders in the race’s modern history. The Vuelta is known for its steep, explosive climbs, often exceeding gradients of 20% on ascents like the Alto de l’Angliru and Lagos de Covadonga. Roglič’s climbing ability and time-trial expertise are perfectly suited to these brutal routes. His Vuelta victories have been defined by dominant performances in individual time trials and aggressive attacks on summit finishes, where he often rides away from rivals in the final kilometers.

Why the Vuelta matters so much to Roglič extends beyond his three titles. The race often serves as the final Grand Tour of the season, and its September slot creates a unique dynamic: riders arrive with varying levels of fatigue, making recovery and fine-tuning crucial. Roglič’s ability to peak for the Vuelta after a long season speaks to his exceptional preparation. Winning in Spain also holds personal significance; he has a deep connection with the country, having lived there and raced for Spanish teams early in his career. The Vuelta’s passionate crowds and challenging roads feel like home to him, and he has repeatedly stated his affection for the event.

His favorite Vuelta moment might be the 2019 edition, where he secured his first Grand Tour victory with a commanding performance, or the 2020 victory, which came just weeks after his Tour de France disappointment. Roglič’s Vuelta wins have also contributed to his reputation as a rider who can back up one hard race with another, a quality that sets him apart from many contemporaries. The Vuelta remains a race where Roglič can dictate terms and showcase his strategic intelligence, making it a perennial favorite on his calendar.

For more on Roglič’s Vuelta dominance, see CyclingNews’ analysis of his three-peat.

The Giro d’Italia: Conquering the Corsa Rosa

The Giro d’Italia represents a different kind of challenge—a race steeped in tradition, infamous for its unpredictable weather, gravel roads, and stunning scenery. Roglič has made the Giro a key objective in recent seasons, finishing third overall in 2019 and winning multiple stages. His 2023 Giro campaign ended prematurely due to a crash, but his determination to return and win the race is evident. The Giro demands versatility: riders must handle long mountain stages, technical descents, and time trials, often in rain or snow. Roglič’s favorite aspect of the Giro is likely its variety; no two stages are the same, and the race rewards aggressive, tactical riding.

Why the Giro matters to Roglič goes beyond its status as the second-most-prestigious Grand Tour. Winning in Italy would complete his set of Grand Tour victories (he already has the Vuelta three times, but not the Giro or Tour). This "Grand Tour triple" is a rare achievement that only a handful of riders have accomplished. Roglič’s near-misses in the Giro—such as his 2019 podium and his stage-winning performances in 2020—show that he has the ability to win if he can stay healthy and build momentum. The Giro’s passionate tifosi and historic route make it a favorite among cyclists, and Roglič has often spoken about the beauty of racing through Italy.

His best Giro memory might be his stage win on the iconic Monte Lussari time trial in 2023, where he powered up the gravel road to take the stage before crashing out days later. That performance highlighted his time-trialling prowess and his ability to conquer unique challenges. The Giro also offers Roglič a chance to race against different rivals, including GC contenders who specialize in the race’s specific demands. As he continues to target the Corsa Rosa, it remains a race that he clearly loves and wants to add to his palmares.

Beyond Grand Tours: Roglič’s One-Day and Stage Race Affinities

While Roglič is best known for his Grand Tour exploits, he also excels in one-day classics and shorter stage races. His favorites among these include Liège–Bastogne–Liège, where he finished second in 2020, and Paris–Nice, which he won in 2022. These races offer a different type of satisfaction: immediate results without the three-week grind. Liège, with its long climbs and tactical finale, suits Roglič’s explosive style, while Paris–Nice’s time trials and mountain stages test his all-round ability. Winning such races adds depth to his resume and proves that he is not solely a Grand Tour specialist.

Why these races matter is often underestimated. One-day classics like Liège carry historic prestige and are monuments of the sport. Roglič’s ability to contend in them demonstrates his versatility and his capacity to read a race in real time. Similarly, stage races like the Critérium du Dauphiné and Tirreno–Adriatico serve as key preparation for Grand Tours, and Roglič has won stages in both. These victories build confidence and refine his form. For Roglič, every race on his calendar is an opportunity to win, but his favorites are those that align with his strengths—steep climbs, individual time trials, and races that reward aggressive, calculated tactics.

Why These Races Matter: Cultural, Historical, and Personal Significance

The races Roglič favors are not random—they are the pillars of professional cycling. The Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and Giro d’Italia each have distinct characters shaped by geography, history, and national identity. Winning any of them instantly elevates a rider’s legacy, but winning multiple times—as Roglič has in the Vuelta—places him among the greats. These races also inspire millions of fans across the globe. In Slovenia, Roglič’s successes have sparked a cycling boom, with young riders now dreaming of Grand Tour glory. His favorite races are therefore more than personal preferences; they are platforms that amplify the sport’s reach.

Culturally, each Grand Tour reflects the country it traverses. The Tour de France celebrates French heritage and gastronomy, the Giro embraces Italian passion and artistry, and the Vuelta showcases Spanish grit and landscapes. Roglič’s affinity for the Vuelta, in particular, resonates with his own background—he has often said he feels a connection to the Spanish roads and people. For a rider who started as a ski jumper, these races provide a narrative of transformation and perseverance. They matter because they test every facet of a cyclist’s ability: physical, mental, tactical, and emotional.

Historically, the races Roglič targets have defined eras of cycling. Names like Merckx, Hinault, Indurain, and Contador are forever linked to Grand Tour victories. Roglič is now part of that lineage, and his favorite races are the ones where he has written his own chapters. The Vuelta is his Van Gogh, the Tour his unfinished masterpiece, and the Giro his promise. These races also offer Roglič the chance to race against the best of his generation—Pogačar, Vingegaard, Evenepoel—creating rivalries that captivate fans. The significance extends beyond trophies; it is about leaving a mark on a sport that is both brutal and beautiful.

The Role of Mental Toughness in Roglič’s Favorite Races

Winning any of these races requires extraordinary mental strength. Roglič has faced crushing defeats, such as the 2020 Tour de France, and career-threatening crashes, yet he continues to return. His ability to reset after setbacks is a hallmark of his career. In his favorite races, he often demonstrates a cold-blooded focus, especially in time trials where margins are measured in seconds. Mental toughness also means making split-second decisions during chaotic stages—deciding when to attack, when to conserve energy, when to trust teammates. Roglič’s favorite races demand that he be fully present for three weeks, managing fatigue, nutrition, and morale. This psychological durability is what separates champions from contenders, and it is a key reason why his favorite races matter so much.

Training and Preparation for Roglič’s Key Targets

Roglič’s approach to preparing for his favorite races is methodical. He bases himself in Monaco and often trains on the climbs of the French and Italian Alps. His training is heavily data-driven, with a focus on power output, VO2 max, and recovery metrics. Before the Tour, he typically races the Dauphiné or Tour de Suisse. Before the Vuelta, he may ride the Clásica San Sebastián or Spain’s altitude camps. For the Giro, he often uses Tirreno–Adriatico as a springboard. His favorite races shape his entire season, dictating when he peaks and how he manages his form. Roglič’s willingness to sacrifice short-term results for long-term goals is a lesson in discipline.

The importance of preparation extends to his team. Jumbo-Visma (now Visma–Lease a Bike) has built a powerful support structure around him, with domestiques, nutritionists, and coaches tailoring every detail. In his favorite races, Roglič relies on a strong team to control the peloton, set tempo on climbs, and protect him from wind and crashes. The chemistry within the team is crucial; Roglič has often credited his teammates for his victories. Understanding the logistical and human effort behind each Grand Tour win adds another layer of respect for why these races matter. They are not solo endeavors but collective triumphs.

Conclusion: Roglič’s Legacy and the Future of His Favorite Races

Primož Roglič’s favorite races—the Tour de France, Vuelta a España, Giro d’Italia, and select one-day classics—are central to his identity as a cyclist. They have provided his greatest triumphs, his most heartbreaking defeats, and the stage for his relentless pursuit of excellence. As he enters the later stages of his career, the question is not whether he can win more, but how he will be remembered. His Vuelta hat-trick already secures his place in history, but a Tour or Giro victory would complete the set and elevate his legacy further. These races matter because they define the sport, and Roglič matters because he has embraced their challenges with rare skill and tenacity.

For fans, watching Roglič in his favorite races is to witness a master at work. His climbing style is efficient, his time-trialling position almost robotic, and his finishing kick devastating. Whether he is descending a mountain in Spain or sprinting to a stage win in Italy, Roglič embodies the spirit of a champion. The races he loves will continue to test him, and he will continue to chase them. In doing so, he inspires a generation of cyclists and reminds us why Grand Tours remain the ultimate test of human endurance. As Roglič himself has said, the joy is not just in winning but in the journey—and his journey through his favorite races is far from over.

Learn more about Roglič’s career highlights and upcoming targets at ProCyclingStats and Team Visma’s official rider page.