Primož Roglič: 'I am not the favourite for the Tour de France'
The Slovenian says there are as many as 20 riders who can win the yellow jersey
![Primoz Roglič](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VPHw9yT5e2XStuXdMfiZ6h-415-80.jpg)
Primož Roglič has attempted to downplay expectations, saying that people should not view him as the most likely rider to win the Tour de France.
The Slovenian star was in touching distance of triumphing at the 2020 edition until he was beaten to the yellow jersey in the final time trial to his compatriot Tadej Pogačar in dramatic scenes.
Roglič later won the Vuelta a España and this spring claimed the Tour of the Basque Country GC, and also won three stages at Paris-Nice.
>>> Tour de France 2021 contenders: favourites for the yellow jersey rated
But the 31-year-old has opted for a relatively race-free schedule in his build-up to the Tour, not racing since April’s Ardennes Classics and instead training, including at altitude camps in the Sierra Nevada.
His rival Pogačar returned to racing by winning last week’s Tour of Slovenia, and the narrative is written that this year’s race - that starts on June 26 - will be another battle between the pair.
The Jumbo-Visma man doesn’t subscribe to such opinion, however, citing the form of Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) and other general classification riders as evidence that the race will be closer than many think.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“I wouldn’t even place myself, I don’t consider myself as the favourite,” he told RMC Sport in France.
“I am not the defending champion. I haven’t raced for a while so I will go there and see how it goes.
“And I always repeat now that it’s a new year, there are a lot of guys who are super-strong and are capable of winning.
“It’s not just a fight between me and Tadej. You have 20 other guys. We need to go there, do our best with our guys and see what it means with the result."
Asked about the disappointment in ceding yellow to Pogačar last September, Roglič was pragmatic.
“Last year’s result in the end… for sure, looking at what we had we all thought we could finish it off and win it, but on the other hand second was still a super-nice result.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
A freelance sports journalist and podcaster, you'll mostly find Chris's byline attached to news scoops, profile interviews and long reads across a variety of different publications. He has been writing regularly for Cycling Weekly since 2013. In 2024 he released a seven-part podcast documentary, Ghost in the Machine, about motor doping in cycling.
Previously a ski, hiking and cycling guide in the Canadian Rockies and Spanish Pyrenees, he almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains. He lives in Valencia, Spain.
-
A Stars and Stripes jersey and cold hard cash: the 2024 Gravel National Championships to offer a $40,000 prize purse for elite races
The US Gravel National Championships will return to Gering, Nebraska, on September 8
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Tadej Pogačar broke 288 Strava KOMs during Tour de France victory
Slovenian won his third Tour title in Nice last weekend, and picked up a host of new trophies on Strava
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tadej Pogačar broke 288 Strava KOMs during Tour de France victory
Slovenian won his third Tour title in Nice last weekend, and picked up a host of new trophies on Strava
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Primož Roglič reveals he suffered back fracture in Tour de France crash
Slovenian abandoned race after being caught up in crash on stage 12, Vuelta a España participation now in doubt
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
'A bigger result than winning': Jonas Vingegaard hails second place at the Tour de France
It turns out second place is not always 'first loser'
By James Shrubsall Published
-
'Even if I never come back to the Tour de France I will be satisfied': Tadej Pogačar revels in third victory
Three Tour de France wins before turning 26, the Giro-Tour double, the suggestion of a triple crown. Records tumble for the Slovenian
By Adam Becket Published
-
Remco Evenepoel: No one should doubt me anymore
The Tour de France's third-placed finisher suggests that he will have to reduce his time trial work if he is to beat Tadej Pogačar
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Tadej Pogačar: 'There will always be doubts... but cycling is the cleanest sport'
Tour de France champion addresses critics, saying it would be "super stupid" to dope
By Adam Becket Published
-
How Tadej Pogačar created history and won the Giro d'Italia-Tour de France double
A journey that was supposedly fraught with risk and uncertainty was anything but for Giro d'Italia and Tour de France victor Tadej Pogačar
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published