The comments come after widespread discussion around Roglic’s 2026 programme, following earlier indications that he could step away from racing after Tour de Romandie and only return later in the season.
That interpretation had pointed towards a rare extended break for a rider of his level during the busiest period of the calendar. However, Roglic’s latest remarks suggest a more fluid situation. “I’m racing now two or three days after Tirreno, so normally I will be around,” he explained. “You have to go race by race, day by day, and we will see what the summer brings.”
Rather than confirming a fixed block away from competition, Roglic instead framed his programme as one that remains open and dependent on how the season develops.
“If you are good, it’s no problem”
While the structure of his calendar remains under discussion, Roglic made clear that performance will ultimately dictate how much he races in the months ahead. “Not really,” he said when asked if he already has a clear plan for later in the season. “I do this, then some more races later on. It’s simple: if you are good, it’s no problem. You can always race and do your best. If you’re not, it’s hard.”
It is a typically pragmatic assessment from the four-time Vuelta a Espana winner, who has often taken a flexible approach to scheduling throughout his career.
Focus shifts back to racing in TurinFor now, however, the focus remains firmly on racing rather than long-term planning. Roglic lines up at Milano-Torino as part of a strong Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe squad, where he is joined by in-form teammate Giulio Pellizzari. “I feel good now, but we will see at the end,” Roglic said when asked about his chances. “Giulio showed a really high level in Tirreno, so if there is a possibility, we have to fully commit and do the best we can with the whole team.”
That approach hints at a shared leadership dynamic on the steep slopes of Superga, where the race is expected to be decided once again.
Roglic himself knows what it takes to win in Turin, having taken victory in 2021, although he admitted even that memory is not something he is overthinking. “I won it once… quite some years ago. The climb, I don’t remember exactly, but it was hard, so it will probably be even a bit harder now.”
A developing picture rather than a fixed plan
If anything, Roglic’s comments point towards a programme that remains adaptable rather than locked in. While earlier reports painted a picture of a defined mid-season break, the reality appears more nuanced, with decisions still to be made as the year unfolds.
For now, the immediate test comes on the slopes above Turin. As with so often in cycling, the clearest answers may come not from long-term plans, but from what happens on the road. “We’ll talk in four or five hours,” Roglic said with a smile.
A response that, much like his schedule, leaves the final word to the racing itself.