Unibet Rose Rockets confirm talks with Primoz Roglic as major 2027 decision draws closer

Primož Roglič's future could finally become clear in the days to come. The four-time Vuelta a España winner remains without a team for 2027, but retirement now appears increasingly unlikely.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Roglič is leaning towards extending his professional career rather than retiring, with sources close to the Slovenian veteran suggesting that news about his next destination will arrive "soon."

The Slovenian, who turns 37 on October 29, has several offers on the table after the end of his three-year spell at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. He has refused to commit publicly to another season in the peloton but now the desire for one final chapter at the highest level reportedly outweighs the prospect of retirement.

One of the more intriguing developments surrounding Roglič's future involves Unibet Rose Rockets, where founder Bas Tietema has confirmed that the team was in contact with the Slovenian before this year's Vuelta a España.

Speaking to Belgian broadcaster Sporza, Tietema was asked whether his ambitious ProTeam had explored the possibility of signing the four-time Grand Tour winner.

"In the past, we had already been in contact with Primož through our videos," Tietema said with a laugh.

"And when he had that serious crash before the Vuelta, we were also in contact. At that point, he was still searching a bit."

The comments are particularly interesting given that Unibet Rose Rockets have not yet finalised their roster for 2027 and remain open to opportunities on the transfer market. Unibet hope to finally secure a Tour de France wild card invitation in 2027.

"There are still a number of riders who will extend their contracts. We're also looking at how we can put together the strongest possible team for next year," Tietema explained.

"There are still some riders on the market without contracts, but we don't want to make any rushed decisions."

Asked whether Roglič could be an attractive addition to the team, Tietema acknowledged his qualities while remaining realistic about the chances of such a signing.

"I think he would be a great rider for almost any team. But we simply have to see whether Roglič is a realistic option for us. And I think he still has to decide whether he wants to remain a professional cyclist at all," Tietema said.

Although Tietema confirmed contact, there is no indication that formal contract negotiations have taken place or that Unibet Rose Rockets are among Roglič's current offers.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Roglič's performances suggest he still has plenty to offer at the highest level. The Slovenian finished second at the 2026 Vuelta a España despite suffering a serious crash in the build-up, before claiming the European time trial title on home soil.

Ahead of Il Lombardia, his final race for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Roglič admitted that retirement remained a possibility. "I believe I will continue racing," he said, while acknowledging that the Italian Monument could also mark his final professional appearance.

If he does continue, several potential destinations have emerged. According to WielerFlits, former team Visma | Lease a Bike have made inquiries about a possible return in yellow and black for 2027, although the chances are reportedly slim given the Dutch squad's limited space in their roster.

Lotto-Intermarché have also held talks with Roglič, something he confirmed ahead of the Vuelta, while Swiss teams Pinarello-Q36.5 and Tudor have featured in transfer speculation but then played the chances of Roglič racing for them in 2027. 

Roglič has yet to indicate his plans for the future. However, with AS reporting that he has several offers to choose from, his three-year spell at Red Bull looks increasingly likely to be followed by another season in the professional peloton.