A Closer Look at Primož Roglič on the Steepest Slopes

Primož Roglič built his reputation on a foundation of raw power, surgical timing, and unshakable composure on the most brutal mountain stages in professional cycling. From the gravel-strewn ramps of the Alto de l'Angliru to the lung-searing gradients of the Monte Zoncolan, the Slovenian champion has repeatedly demonstrated that climbing at the highest level is as much an intellectual discipline as a physical one. His palmarès includes stage wins and overall victories at the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España, and each of those successes reveals a distinct approach to conquering ascents that break lesser riders. By studying the specific stages where Roglič made his mark, we can uncover the strategies, preparation, and mindset that separate him from the peloton.

The Anatomy of a Mountain Stage That Tests a Champion

Mountain stages in Grand Tours are not simply a matter of climbing the longest or steepest roads. The most decisive climbs present a combination of factors: extreme gradients that strip away drafting advantages, unpredictable weather that forces constant adaptation, and tactical positioning that begins many kilometers before the road tilts upward. Roglič has consistently performed on climbs that demand sustained effort above threshold, often in the final week of a three-week race when fatigue is greatest. Understanding the demands of these stages helps explain why his record includes some of the most iconic ascents in the sport.

A key element is the interaction between pace and recovery. Modern racing often sees teams execute a high-tempo lead-out to shed rivals before the steepest sections. Roglič excels in these situations because his power profile allows him to ride at a steady, punishing speed while conserving energy for decisive accelerations. He does not panic when a teammate sets a brutal pace; instead, he uses it to gauge the form of opponents. When the road ramps into double-digit gradients, the Slovenian's ability to stay seated while others stand, maintaining a high cadence and controlled breathing, becomes his strongest weapon.

Key Mountain Stages That Defined Roglič's Career

Alto de l'Angliru – 2019 Vuelta a España

The Alto de l'Angliru is widely regarded as one of the toughest climbs in professional cycling. Its surface is narrow, often littered with gravel, and sections such as the Cueña les Cabres reach gradients of 23.5%. In September 2019, Roglič attacked with just over six kilometers remaining, riding solo to the summit and extending his overall lead. The victory was not the result of a sudden surge but of meticulous effort management. Roglič later explained that he deliberately held back during the earlier ramps, letting others expend energy, then accelerated when the steepest slopes forced his rivals into the red. His cadence remained fluid, and his upper body stayed still—a sign of a rider who is not fighting the bike. That stage effectively sealed his first Vuelta overall win.

The victory also highlighted the psychological component. Roglič's ability to maintain a constant pressure, without erratic changes in speed, demoralized those behind him. Instead of attacking in short bursts, he rode a tempo that forced opponents to chase at their absolute limit, knowing that any pause would see the gap grow. This methodical approach turned the Angliru from a pure survival test into a demonstration of controlled power.

Monte Zoncolan – 2021 Giro d'Italia

The Monte Zoncolan is infamous for its raw steepness. The average gradient of the Ovaro side is 11.9%, with ramps above 22%. Roglič arrived at the 2021 Giro still recovering from a crash in the previous year's Tour, but his performance on Stage 15 showed his resilience. He launched a decisive attack on the Cima Porzus, a lesser-known climb that preceded the Zoncolan, and then rode the final ascent alone to take a solo victory. What made this win notable was the tactical risk: he went early, over 35 kilometers from the finish, trusting that his descending skills and time-trialing power would hold off a chasing group on the rolling terrain before the final wall. On the Zoncolan itself, Roglič used a higher gear than most, grinding out power while maintaining a seated position. His breathing pattern was rhythmic, and he never appeared to lose his rhythm. The victory proved that he could win from any scenario—long-range attack, steep final climb, or breakaway.

Col du Galibier and Les Deux Alpes – 2020 Tour de France

Stage 4 of the 2020 Tour de France featured a route over the Col du Galibier and a summit finish at Les Deux Alpes. Roglič won the stage, but more importantly, he took the yellow jersey by powering away from the main contenders in the final kilometer. The ascent to Les Deux Alpes is not exceptionally steep, but it follows a long descent and the cumulative fatigue of the Galibier makes it decisive. Roglič timed his move perfectly, waiting for the final steepening before unleashing an acceleration that only a few could follow. This stage demonstrated his ability to read the race and wait for the optimal moment, even when the climb profile does not suit a pure explosive attack. His preparation included studying the wind patterns on the exposed upper slopes, ensuring he had teammates positioned to shield him from crosswinds before the climb began. Such attention to detail is a hallmark of his approach.

Lagos de Covadonga – Hints of Future Dominance

In the 2018 Vuelta a España, Roglič finished second on the Lagos de Covadonga, a climb that combines steep ramps with a narrow, twisting road. He attacked repeatedly but was unable to drop his rival Simon Yates. The stage is significant because it marked Roglič's first real statement as a Grand Tour contender. He learned from the experience: instead of wasting energy in multiple attacks, he later refined his approach to single, well-timed efforts. The Lagos de Covadonga stage also reinforced the value of pre-race reconnaissance. Roglič traveled the route by car and bike in the months before the race, memorizing gradient changes and danger points such as cattle grids and potholes. This level of preparation became a cornerstone of his later successes.

Prato di Tivo – The Breakout in the 2019 Giro d'Italia

On Stage 9 of the 2019 Giro, Roglič won at Prato di Tivo, a climb that averages 7% but includes sections over 12%. He took the stage and the maglia rosa by attacking with two kilometers to go. His accelerations were clean and decisive, and he rode the final kilometer entirely on the drops, maximizing aerodynamics for the finishing sprint. This stage is a textbook example of Roglič's ability to transition from climbing to sprinting. Many pure climbers lose power when they try to sprint for the line after a hard ascent. Roglič's background as a former ski jumper gives him exceptional body control and the ability to hold an aerodynamic position while producing peak power.

Roglič's Strategic Toolkit: How He Conquers the Mountains

Pre-Race Analysis and Reconnaissance

Every major climb that Roglič has mastered begins with hours of preparation. He studies gradient profiles, wind forecasts, road surface quality, and the likely behavior of rivals. When possible, he visits climbs before the race to identify the steepest sections, dangerous corners, and optimal launch points. This intelligence allows him to plan not just where to attack but also where to conserve energy. For example, on the Angliru, he noted that the steepest section near the top would be decisive, but that the preceding false flats required a slower tempo to avoid burning matches. His team also analyzes historical power data to set thresholds for each sector.

Energy Management and Pacing

Roglič's pacing is often described as "relentless but intelligent." He rarely attacks from far out unless the situation demands it, preferring to ride at a steady, high tempo that many riders cannot sustain. His power files reveal a pattern of staying just below threshold for the majority of a climb, then surging above it only when the road tilts most severely. This reduces the total time spent in the red zone and allows for quicker recovery between efforts. In stage races, this approach helps him remain strong in the third week, when riders who have overexerted early begin to fade.

Positioning in the Peloton

Positioning before a climb is a skill as important as climbing itself. Roglič and his Jumbo-Visma (now Visma-Lease a Bike) teammates often take the front of the peloton well before the ascent begins, avoiding the stress of fighting for position in narrow roads. They control the pace on the approach, ensuring that Roglič is never forced to brake or accelerate unnecessarily. Once the climb starts, Roglič typically sits near the front but not leading, allowing team riders to set the tempo. He only takes the lead when the road steepens or when he plans to attack. This tactical positioning saves energy and reduces the risk of being caught behind a crash or a gap.

Timing of Attacks

Roglič's timing is perhaps his greatest asset. He attacks when opponents are at their most vulnerable: after a long flat section that preceded the climb, during a lull in pace, or when a rival is recovering from a previous effort. In the 2020 Tour stage to Les Deux Alpes, he waited until the final 900 meters when the gradient briefly flattened, then surged. This type of attack uses the terrain to maximize the element of surprise. Few riders can respond to an acceleration that comes after a sustained effort, because they have already settled into a rhythm. Roglič's ability to stay calm until the decisive moment sets him apart from more impulsive climbers.

Pedaling Technique and Cadence

Observers note that Roglič climbs with a relatively high cadence for his power output—often around 90–100 revolutions per minute on steep gradients. This reduces the torque on each pedal stroke, delaying muscle fatigue, and allows for smoother transitions when the gradient changes. He remains seated longer than most, standing only when the slope becomes too steep to maintain pedal efficiency. Even when standing, his bike sway is minimal, conserving energy and maintaining traction. His background as a ski jumper, where precise body position is critical, translates into exceptional bike handling. He can corner at high speed on descents without losing momentum, turning the downhill sections into recovery zones.

Mental Resilience and Focus

Mountain stages are as much a mental battle as a physical one. Roglič's calm demeanor under pressure, even when things go wrong (as in the 2020 Tour when he lost the yellow jersey on the final time trial), suggests a high level of emotional control. He rarely shows frustration on the bike, and his radio communications are measured and clear. This mental resilience is cultivated through visualization techniques and a focus on process rather than outcome. He is known to break down each climb into small sections, focusing only on the next kilometer rather than the summit. This prevents the overwhelming nature of a long ascent from eroding his motivation.

Aerodynamics and Equipment

Even on the steepest climbs, Roglič pays attention to aerodynamics. He uses a relatively low handlebar position, often riding on the drops when not shifting, and tucks his elbows in to reduce frontal area. His team selects gearing optimized for both steep gradients and the subsequent descents. In recent years, he has used a 54-tooth chainring even on mountainous stages, a choice that allows him to maintain a higher speed on descents and flat sections between climbs without spinning out. This may seem counterintuitive for steep ascents, but modern cassettes with low gears (such as 10-33 or 10-36) still provide manageable ratios even with a big chainring. The trade-off is a small aerodynamic gain on descents, which can accumulate over a long stage.

Lessons from Roglič's Climbing: What Aspiring Cyclists Can Learn

While few riders can replicate Roglič's power numbers, his methodology can be adapted by any cyclist aiming to improve their climbing. The first lesson is the importance of pacing. Instead of attacking every rise, learn to ride at a steady effort and save surges for the most critical moments. The second is to practice riding at a high cadence on steep grades, even if it feels unnatural at first. Over time, this reduces muscle damage and improves recovery. The third is to invest time in route reconnaissance, whether through online tools like Strava or CyclingCols, or by physically previewing climbs when possible. Understanding where the road ramps up, where the headwinds hit, and where the surface changes can give a cyclist a significant advantage. Finally, mental preparation cannot be overrated. Break the climb into segments, focus on the present, and avoid the panic that sets in when the gradient increases.

For those aiming for competitive success, studying Roglič's positioning and timing during televised mountain stages is invaluable. Watch how he moves to the front before a climb, how he uses his teammates, and how he waits before launching. These details are visible in every Grand Tour broadcast and can be analyzed frame by frame.

Conclusion

Primož Roglič has conquered some of the most fearsome mountain stages in cycling history through a blend of elite physiology, meticulous planning, and tactical cunning. From the 23% ramps of the Angliru to the relentless slopes of the Zoncolan, he has demonstrated that climbing success depends on more than raw power. It requires the ability to read a race, manage energy over weeks of racing, and execute a plan under extreme duress. As his career continues, Roglič's methods offer a blueprint for how a modern Grand Tour champion approaches the mountains—and why, despite the pain and risk, these stages produce moments of pure sporting brilliance.

For deeper analysis of his performances, resources such as Cyclingnews provide detailed race reports and power data, while the official race websites (Tour de France, Giro d'Italia) offer stage profiles and highlights. Fans and riders alike can continue to learn from the way Roglič turns the most challenging climbs into stages of controlled excellence.