Lotto keep Roglic pursuit alive as Vuelta form boosts ‘win-win’ case

Roglič is set to leave Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe at the end of the year and has already confirmed that he held talks with Lotto shortly before the Vuelta a España. While no agreement has been reached, Van de Wouwer has now made clear that the Belgian team’s interest remains genuine.

“We are interested in Primož, but we also have to be honest that other teams are interested as well,” Van de Wouwer told WielerFlits. “We’ll see what the coming days and weeks bring.”

The timing could prove significant. Roglič arrived at the Vuelta with major doubts over his condition after being hit by a car in training in July, an accident which badly disrupted his preparation and forced him to miss both the Clásica San Sebastián and Vuelta a Burgos.

“Instead of preparation, I did rehabilitation,” Roglič said before the start of the race.

He admitted at the time that even he had little idea what to expect from his body over three weeks.

“I have no clue,” he said when asked about his condition, explaining that discomfort from the crash had lingered deep into August. “I definitely still feel it. I can’t lay on my right side. But whatever, forget about it, good enough to ride the bike and to come here to start the Vuelta.”

Those uncertainties also surrounded his future. Roglič has decided to continue racing beyond 2026, but Red Bull will not be his destination next season. Bahrain Victorious and Pinarello-Q36.5 had previously been linked with the four-time Vuelta winner, although both appeared to cool their interest in the build-up to the Spanish Grand Tour.

Lotto have remained in the conversation.

Roglič himself confirmed before the Vuelta that contact had taken place, while playing down suggestions that negotiations were already advanced.

“Yeah, actually, I think I can confirm that I spoke one time with them, but also that was just super recently actually,” he said. “A lot of people know a lot more actually than me, but yeah, at the end, yes, we spoke.”

His opening performances in Spain could strengthen his position. Roglič entered the race short of training, but has already shown signs that he can still compete with many of the leading Grand Tour contenders.

For Lotto, however, the attraction goes beyond results alone.

“He would be more than welcome,” Van de Wouwer said. “Primož is of course getting older, but I see him as someone who can take on two roles.”

“On one hand he can still bring results himself, and within our team there are certainly opportunities for that. On the other hand, he can go racing with Jarno. If they can race together, that would be a win-win.”

That Jarno is Jarno Widar, the Belgian prospect Lotto view as one of the central figures in their long-term sporting project. Pairing Widar with one of the most accomplished Grand Tour riders of his generation would give the team both an immediate leader and an experienced reference point for its younger climbers.

“Riders like Roglič are not exactly easy to find,” Van de Wouwer added. “That’s why this can be an important file for us.”

Not everyone is convinced. Patrick Lefevere questioned the move in Het Nieuwsblad, citing Roglič’s age, crash record and Lotto’s mixed history with ageing stars.

“Let’s be honest: that implies teams aren’t exactly clamouring to sign him,” he wrote, suggesting Lotto may see an opportunity to land Roglič on favourable terms.

For Lotto, though, the appeal is clear. Roglič would bring leadership, Grand Tour pedigree and immediate sporting value. The question is whether his improving Vuelta form now attracts stronger competition for his signature.