Could Roglic Lead the Charge for Pogačar? Mohorič Believes: “Our Mission is Simple – Win the World Championship”
As the 2024 UCI Road World Championships draw near, the cycling world is buzzing with anticipation. With two Slovenian powerhouses, Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar, in the mix, Slovenia’s ambitions to claim the coveted rainbow jersey have never been clearer. Their shared history of dominance, mutual respect, and fierce competition has brought them both to the forefront of world cycling. Yet, the pressing question remains: could Primož Roglič lead the charge for Pogačar, or will the two go head-to-head for individual glory?
Over the past few years, Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič have established themselves as two of the most formidable cyclists on the planet. Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France winner and reigning star of UAE Team Emirates, has showcased an unmatched ability to deliver devastating attacks at critical moments. Meanwhile, Roglič, the seasoned veteran, with his victories in the Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia, has cemented his status as one of the sport’s most consistent Grand Tour riders.
Despite their differences in age and riding style, both men share a remarkable ability to perform under pressure. Roglič, known for his steady and calculated approach, contrasts with Pogačar’s explosive energy and youthful bravado. Their combined strengths provide a tantalizing prospect for Slovenia, a small nation with an oversized presence in world cycling.
Matej Mohorič, another prominent Slovenian rider and teammate of Roglič, recently voiced his confidence in Slovenia’s chances at the upcoming World Championships. “Our mission is simple – win the World Championship,” he declared in an interview, capturing the essence of the nation’s ambitions. Slovenia has risen as a cycling powerhouse in recent years, and the prospect of having both Pogačar and Roglič working together could be the key to fulfilling this mission.
Mohorič himself has been in outstanding form, claiming victories in some of the most prestigious one-day races and proving his worth as an all-around rider. His role as a potential support rider for the Slovenian team adds another layer of intrigue to the dynamic between Roglič and Pogačar.
But the question of leadership remains. Could Roglič, with his experience and tactical acumen, serve as the perfect foil for Pogačar, who might have the edge when it comes to explosive attacks on punchy terrain? The answer may lie in the course and the particular challenges it presents.
The World Championship courses are notoriously challenging, often designed to test riders’ endurance, tactical intelligence, and ability to handle a range of terrain types. This year is no exception, with a route featuring steep climbs, technical descents, and the potential for high winds to play a role in the final outcome.
For Roglič, the route may offer an ideal stage to apply his steady, grinding style, designed to wear down opponents over time. His Giro d’Italia victory earlier this year showcased how Roglič can control a race’s tempo, break the spirits of rivals, and strike when the moment is right. His deep knowledge of pacing and positioning could play a crucial role in setting up a final, decisive attack by Pogačar or even himself.
On the other hand, Pogačar’s explosive ability to dominate short climbs and sprints would make him a favorite if the race comes down to a high-stakes, attacking finale. His unpredictable racing style could serve as the perfect counterbalance to Roglič’s more measured approach, allowing them to execute a devastating one-two punch. If Roglič sets a hard pace that breaks the field, Pogačar could unleash his speed at just the right moment to secure the rainbow jersey.
The key to Slovenia’s success at the World Championships will likely rest on the ability of these two titans to put aside personal ambition for the greater good of their nation. For cycling fans, the notion of Roglič playing a supportive role to Pogačar may seem difficult to imagine given Roglič’s stature as a Grand Tour champion. However, Slovenia’s chances of victory may improve if Roglič and Pogačar can harness their complementary strengths in a united strategy.
Matej Mohorič’s confidence in Slovenia’s collective mission hints at the possibility of such teamwork. As one of Slovenia’s top riders himself, Mohorič is well-placed to gauge the dynamic between Pogačar and Roglič. His belief in the team suggests that discussions around leadership and roles are already well underway.
Mohorič has proven himself a tactical mastermind in races, with his sharp sense of when to attack and when to conserve energy. His insight into Roglič and Pogačar’s capabilities and racing styles could be crucial in forming a strategy that allows both to shine while prioritizing Slovenia’s overall success.
Neither Pogačar nor Roglič has openly declared any rivalry when it comes to representing Slovenia on the world stage, though they have been fierce competitors in the past. Pogačar has spoken of his admiration for Roglič, praising his resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks. Roglič, in turn, has acknowledged Pogačar’s talent and expressed his satisfaction at the rise of Slovenian cycling as a whole.
At the World Championships, this mutual respect may translate into a willingness to work together, even if the opportunity for individual glory presents itself. For Slovenia, a nation that has already exceeded expectations in the world of professional cycling, winning a rainbow jersey would be the ultimate affirmation of its emergence as a cycling powerhouse.
The biggest question remains: who will take the leadership mantle for Slovenia? While Pogačar is undeniably in the prime of his career, Roglič’s experience and tactical prowess make him an invaluable asset. The two riders could adopt a dual-leadership approach, much like what we’ve seen in some Grand Tours, where both riders keep options open for who will strike the final blow.
Ultimately, the course, weather, and competition will dictate the strategy on race day. Slovenia’s depth of talent, with riders like Mohorič, Jan Tratnik, and Luka Mezgec in support, could play a pivotal role in setting up either Pogačar or Roglič for success.
In the end, whether it’s Roglič leading the charge for Pogačar or the two riders working in tandem, Slovenia’s mission remains the same: to win the World Championship. And with their impressive lineup, it’s a goal that seems well within reach.
The 2024 World Championships offer a fascinating spectacle for cycling fans, with Slovenia poised to make a serious bid for the rainbow jersey. While much attention will be focused on Pogačar and Roglič, their ability to collaborate and leverage their respective strengths could be the deciding factor. With the course offering challenges suited to both riders, and Matej Mohorič’s confident outlook, Slovenia is ready to leave its mark on the world stage once again.
The world waits to see whether Roglič will take on a leadership role for Pogačar, or if the two will go head-to-head, but one thing is certain: Slovenia’s mission is clear, and their chances of achieving it are higher than ever.
