Primoz Roglic: Slovenian withdraws from Il Lombardia to end 'exciting season' and potential Tadej Pogacar showdown
Published 09/10/2024 at 18:18 GMT+1
React to this story
Il Lombardia was shaping up as a clash between Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic. However, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe rider Roglic will not be competing after opting to end his season. Roglic won the Vuelta a Espana for a fourth time this year and also triumphed at the Criterium du Dauphine. Stream Il Lombardia on Saturday, October 12 live on discovery+.
Giro dell'Emilia highlights: Pogacar soloes to victory in rainbow jersey
Video credit: TNT Sports
Primoz Roglic has called an end to his 2024 cycling season and will not race at Il Lombardia.
The Vuelta a Espana champion had been expected to compete against Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) and Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) in the final Monument of the year, which is on October 12, live on discovery+.
However, Roglic’s team Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe have announced he will not be taking part.
“A long season comes to an end," Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe posted on X.
"Primoz and the performance staff have decided to draw a line under an exciting year and to start his off-season immediately. Join us in wishing him a good recovery and a wonderful off-season — well deserved, Primoz!"
Roglic’s 2024 highlight is winning the Vuelta a Espana for a record-equalling fourth time in his first season with his new team.
He also triumphed at the Criterium du Dauphine.
His wait for a first Tour de France title goes on after crashing out for a third time in a row, while he also suffered injuries after a fall at the Tour of the Basque Country.
In the absence of Roglic, Pogacar and Evenepoel are expected to be the leading contenders at Il Lombardia.
- Pogacar praises organisers after cancellation of Tre Valli Varesine
- Van der Poel targets mountain bike rainbow jersey
Pogacar has won the last three editions of the race and comes into it on the back of victory at Giro dell'Emilia.
“The shape is still very good and I want to give it one last push now for Lombardia,” he said.
“It’s been the perfect season for us this year. The team worked really hard and things really clicked for us. I’ll definitely look back on this year as a really special time. But it’s not over yet and we want to finish it off well and with a strong result in my last race of the season in Lombardia."
- - -
Stream Il Lombardia on Saturday live on discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement