Roglic: 'If I won Grand Tours after being a ski jumper until I was 22, anyone can do it'
In an interview with Marca, the five-time Grand Tour winner reflected on his relationship with the Tour de France, discussed the potential of younger riders, including his own teammate Florian Lipowitz, and signalled his ambition to remain competitive in the biggest races in 2026.
Speaking to Marca during the Saitama Criterium in Japan, the 36-year-old Slovenian was asked which race he would choose to win if he could only claim one more victory. "The Tour de France. It would be great to win it," replied Roglič.
The Slovenian, who came closest to Tour victory in the 2020 edition before ceding the yellow jersey to Tadej Pogačar on the penultimate stage, admitted that the defeat still weighs heavily on him, despite a bucketload of major victories since then.
“Perhaps 2020 wasn't a disaster, but the way I lost that Tour hurt," reflected Roglič. "We'll have to show that we can be back there."
Roglič also discussed the huge potential of his German teammate Florian Lipowitz, who finished third in his debut Tour de France, and was asked if he is at a level to compete with the major favourites at Grand Tours going forward.
“Compete, of course he can,” said Roglič, “Last year he was already on the podium and made very solid progress. He's been at the front in several top-level races, so in that sense there's no doubt.”
“Winning is another matter: that's always more complex and it's difficult to say it definitively. But he's there, he's already proven it, and I see no reason to think he can't repeat, and even improve upon that level.”
Asked if Juan Ayuso has the capabilities to win a Grand Tour in the future, following his move to Lidl-Trek, Roglič pointed to his own late arrival in the sport, and how he has since won a record-equalling four editions of the Vuelta a España, and also the Giro d’Italia, suggesting the sky is the limit for the current younger generation of riders.
"Anything is possible. If I won Grand Tours after being a ski jumper until I was 22, anyone can do it," said Roglič. "There's so much talent now. They're arriving very strong very early."
Looking ahead to his own goals, with 91 professional victories already secured, Roglic remains ambitious but realistic about reaching the century mark in 2026.
"If I can win a few more, I'll be very happy. At the pace I've been keeping since last year, I think I'd need another ten years to reach 100," he said with a smile. "But yes, I hope to add a few more next year." 2025 saw the Slovenian win the Volta a Catalunya GC for the second time in his career, as well as two stage victories.
While the Tour remains his dream, Roglic hasn't abandoned hopes of a historic fifth Vuelta title. When asked what would make him satisfied at the end of 2026, he stated, "Being happy. I'm still enjoying cycling. Winning the Tour de France would be a dream. Winning five Vueltas would also be very special. But above all, continuing to enjoy it."
As for retirement plans, the 36-year-old isn’t currently thinking that far ahead and is instead focused on his preparations for the 2026 season. "Right now, I don't know. First, I need to know what my race schedule will be and how I feel competing. I prefer to take it one step at a time, see my level, my motivations, and the challenges ahead," said Roglič.
