And to think that he had his reign and it ended after the pandemic at the hands of Tadej Pogacar. This is Primoz Roglic, the Slovenian who started his country’s path and who in his record will only miss the Tour, due to the “fault” of his compatriot.
He recently talked a bit about everything with Flo Bikes, and among the points he touched on – obviously – was that of his country’s other idol. “You have to take your hat off to him. What he has done is impressive and even more so considering how difficult it is to win a race,” he said.
“But the way he does it makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong, or the same goes for everything else. But what he has achieved is incredible,” insisted the leader of Red Bull BORA, once ahead of the United Arab Emirates and now in third or fourth place in the virtual ranking of face maniacs.
Primoz acknowledged that they are not friends, but maintain a good and smooth relationship. “We see each other a lot. We don’t see each other every weekend for a beer, but we’re almost neighbors, so we usually see each other. And it’s also nice to be able to speak a little in our language,” he added.
Thus, at least on his part, he sends a relaxing message to the fans, because Slovenia is divided when it comes to cycling, with Rogla’s followers outnumbering those of Pogi, who has also been badly mistreated since 2020.
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What are the key differences in racing styles between Primoz Roglic and Tadej Pogacar?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Cycling Expert on Primoz Roglic and Tadej Pogacar
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Anna Kralj, a cycling expert and sports analyst. We will delve into the dynamics of Slovenian cycling, focusing on two of its brightest stars—Primoz Roglic and Tadej Pogacar. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kralj!
Dr. Kralj: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the fascinating world of cycling, especially in Slovenia where we’ve seen such remarkable talent emerge.
Editor: Absolutely! Recently, Primoz Roglic gave an insightful interview where he reflected on his relationship with Pogacar. What stood out to you from his comments?
Dr. Kralj: One of the key takeaways was Roglic’s respect for Pogacar, which he verbally emphasized. He mentioned, “You have to take your hat off to him,” acknowledging the incredible achievements of his compatriot. This respect is vital in sports, especially in a highly competitive environment like cycling.
Editor: Roglic also admitted that Pogacar’s success makes him feel like he is “doing something wrong.” What do you think he meant by that?
Dr. Kralj: That’s a fascinating statement! It reflects the internal pressure that elite athletes often face. Roglic is a former champion himself; to see another athlete from his country surpassing him can be challenging. It highlights the psychological aspect of competition—where comparisons can lead to self-doubt, even among champions.
Editor: Speaking of their relationship, Roglic mentioned that they’re not exactly friends but maintain a good rapport. How do you view the dynamics of their relationship given this context?
Dr. Kralj: It’s quite typical for elite competitors to have a professional relationship rather than a close friendship. They share a unique bond as fellow countrymen and rivals, which fosters mutual respect. This is evident since they see each other frequently and can communicate in their native language, creating a supportive atmosphere amid competition.
Editor: You also highlighted Slovenia’s divided fan base—Roglic’s supporters certainly outnumber Pogacar’s. How does that impact their rivalry?
Dr. Kralj: It adds an interesting layer to their competition. When you have a nation behind you, it amplifies both pressure and motivation. For Roglic, having a larger fan base may provide support, but it also means heightened expectations. Conversely, Pogacar, though newer to the spotlight, has quickly garnered significant attention, which can also motivate him to keep pushing the boundaries.
Editor: How has the pandemic changed the landscape for both these athletes?
Dr. Kralj: The pandemic disrupted everyone’s routines, including athletes. For Roglic, whose reign was affected by it, it could have been a moment of vulnerability. For Pogacar, it was an opportunity to shine even brighter when the racing season resumed. it reshaped training regimens and competitive approaches, with athletes having to adapt more than ever.
Editor: Lastly, what do you predict for the future of Slovenian cycling with both of these outstanding riders in the spotlight?
Dr. Kralj: I truly believe we’re witnessing the beginning of a golden era for Slovenian cycling. Both Roglic and Pogacar are setting remarkable benchmarks. Their rivalry will only elevate the sport in Slovenia, inspiring the next generation of cyclists. It’s exciting to think of what the future holds, and I wouldn’t be surprised if both continue to dominate the sport for years to come.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Kralj. It’s clear that the relationship dynamics between Roglic and Pogacar, along with their shared journey, will continue to shape Slovenian cycling history.
Dr. Kralj: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to following their journeys as they continue to push each other towards greatness.
Editor: To our readers, thank you for tuning in! Stay engaged with us for more updates from the world of sports.
