Roglic adds Giro d'Italia to impressive list of honours
Primoz Roglic has won the Giro d'Italia for the first time. His pink jersey was never in doubt on the final stage to Rome. The 33-year-old Slovenian, a three-time winner of the Vuelta a España, took control of the Giro in Saturday's climbing time trial.
Roglic started as one of the top favourites in Italy. The leader of Team Jumbo-Visma stayed out of trouble throughout the wet first week, taking a pinch in the wall stage. But even Roglic was not spared bad luck when he crashed on stage 11. Despite the pain, the Slovenian continued his campaign, fought until the end with the unconditional help of his teammates and ultimately won the race.
"I am really enjoying this victory", an emotional Roglic said. "I haven't even realised that I won the Giro d'Italia. It was a three-week-long rollercoaster. We fought as a team and always believed in ourselves. It's astonishing that we actually prevailed. It's amazing that we can celebrate it here in Rome."
"This was the season's primary target, and we did it together."
During the climbing time trial, Roglic received a passionate ovation from the Slovenian fans. One day later, it still touches the winner. "Winning is always good, but the fans' excitement really gets to me. I am incredibly grateful to everyone and will never forget it. This was the season's primary target, and we did it together."
Roglic also referred to his shoulder surgery. The Slovenian underwent surgery over the winter and is relieved to be back performing at a high level. "We were happy I could come to the first training camp in January. I skipped the second because I was expecting my second child, but after that, the focus was on the new season. It's remarkable to be able to enjoy cycling so much again. I adore cycling."
"It was not an easy Giro, so we are incredibly proud", sports director Marc Reef said. "The setbacks began before we started, partly because we had to change riders due to COVID and the injuries sustained by Jan Tratnik and Wilco Kelderman. We were happy to be able to start with eight riders, although there was a feeling that things were not going our way. For Primoz, the preparation started much earlier. He was already talking about the queen stage to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the climbing time trial during the winter. We saw what good preparation and encouragement did for him. Primoz has had some setbacks in the last few years. Fortunately, as the Giro went on, the tide turned, and he was able to prevail."
General manager Richard Plugge is proud the yellow and black formation now has all the grand tours on its list of honours. "It is a great achievement, and we could not have done it without the whole team. Primoz is a king. He exemplifies one of our core values: resilience. It's clever how he does it every time because don't forget he crashed, had hip problems, and chain issues in the climbing time trial."
"The team stayed calm", said Plugge, again referring to resilience and the tumultuous build-up to the Giro. "We've shown that we can call up strong substitutes. Also, the riders and staff have always kept the faith, and Primoz embodies that. We are delighted."
Team Jumbo-Visma's season victory total increased to 29 with Roglic's overall victory.