Primož Roglič Faces Uncertain Future Amid Taiwan Masters Ride Appearance
Five-time Grand Tour champion weighs retirement as 2027 team options dwindle rapidly.
1Taiwanese Cycling Event Appearance
Five-time Grand Tour champion Primož Roglič visited Taiwan last week to headline the Taiwan Masters Ride. He attempted to break the King of the Mountains record at Wuling Pass, located south of Taipei. Despite being paced by six professional Taiwanese riders, Roglič failed to set a new record during the challenging climb.
2Four Weeks Off Training
The attempt to break the Wuling Pass record occurred after Roglič had taken a four-week break from cycling. He did not bring his own equipment, instead using a borrowed grey S-Works Tarmac bike. Observers noted his impressive performance despite the lack of recent structured training or personal gear during the event.
3Uncertainty for 2027 Season
As the 2027 season approaches, Roglič remains without a confirmed team following his departure from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. Rumored landing spots including Lotto-Intermarché, Visma-Lease a Bike, and Pinarello Q36.5 have reportedly stalled. With the January 1 start date nearing, speculation regarding his potential retirement from professional cycling has grown significantly among industry analysts.
4Reflecting on Recent Success
Roglič concluded his 2026 season at Il Lombardia after winning the European time trial title. Earlier in the year, he secured second place at the Vuelta a España despite suffering a crash just one month before the race. These results demonstrate he remains competitive against the sport's elite at age 37.
5Vague Stance on Retirement
When questioned about his future, the Slovenian rider has remained characteristically ambiguous. While he expressed a desire to continue racing in recent interviews, he admitted that no final decisions have been made. He noted that the decision-making process is emotional, reflecting on the uncertainty of when his final professional race occurs.
6Legacy and Competitive Standing
With 93 professional victories, Roglič ranks among the most successful active cyclists, trailing only Tadej Pogačar. His career includes four Vuelta a España titles and a Giro d'Italia win. He represents a veteran generation currently facing pressure from emerging young stars like Paul Seixas, Isaac del Toro, and Remco Evenepoel.
7Financial and Team Realities
Should Roglič decide to continue his career, he will likely face a significantly lower salary compared to previous years. Potential team options have narrowed, with reports suggesting that several previously linked squads are no longer viable. He must now weigh his personal motivation against the reality of a shrinking professional market.
8Future Path and Motivation
Roglič has previously expressed a desire to return to the Tour de France. The recently announced Giro route passing through Slovenia might provide the necessary motivation for a final season. Whether he chooses to retire or sign a new contract, he seeks to conclude his illustrious career on his own terms.