Lefevere warns Lotto-Intermarché over potential Roglic signing

Patrick Lefevere has questioned rumours linking Primož Roglič to Lotto-Intermarché, after Het Laatste Nieuws reported earlier in the week that talks had already taken place between the 37-year-old Slovenian and the Belgian WorldTour outfit. 

Roglič is set to depart Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe at the end of the 2026 season, and given his pedigree, he has been linked with several teams, including Lotto-Intermarché. 

While a deal is not finalised, the interest is reportedly mutual; however, the former Soudal Quick-Step boss was cautious about the prospect, writing in his weekly column for Het Nieuwsblad.

“I read this week that Lotto-Intermarché is trying to convince Primož Roglič to come and race for them for a single year. Let’s be honest: that implies teams aren't exactly clamouring to sign him,” wrote Lefevere. 

“And understandably so: he hasn't achieved much this year, he crashes frequently, and he has faced plenty of setbacks throughout his career. Perhaps Lotto thinks they can snag a bargain.”

Lefevere highlighted the Belgian team’s recent record with signing high-profile riders, such as John Degenkolb, Philippe Gilbert, and Elia Viviani.

“John Degenkolb, Elia Viviani, and Philippe Gilbert (during his second stint at Lotto) raced for the National Lottery team for a combined total of six years and secured a grand total of four victories—none of which were in the WorldTour. Of course, when a team has a new CEO every two years, it’s hardly a sign of stability.”

However, Lefevere acknowledged the publicity that the Belgian team can gain from being linked to the four-time Vuelta a España winner, even if a deal does not materialise.

“And admittedly, if there’s a month’s worth of headlines about a potential transfer of Roglič to Lotto-Intermarché, he’s already generated plenty of publicity before even riding a single metre at the front for them.”