Route – Plugge on Primoz Roglic’s Departure: “It’s the Best Choice”
By Audrey QUETARD on 01/10/2023 at 10:30. Updated 10/01/2023 at 5:34 p.m.
Photo: @Jumbovismaroad
If Primoz Roglic made a name for himself by emerging victorious in the 106th edition of the prestigious Tower of Emilia race, defeating his compatriot Tadej Pogacar from UAE Team Emirates, his decision to leave Team Jumbo-Visma has also sparked significant discussion. Just before the Italian classic, the Slovenian cyclist confirmed his departure from the team, despite being under contract until the end of 2025. At the age of 33, Roglic, a three-time winner of The Vuelta (2019, 2020, 2021) and the 2023 Giro d’Italia champion, is currently being heavily pursued by INEOS Grenadiers. Meanwhile, Richard Plugge, the manager of Jumbo-Visma, has shared his thoughts on Roglic’s departure.
Video – A Memorable Day for Primoz Roglic at the Giro dell’Emilia!
Tour of Emilia – Primoz Roglic: “Focus on the races I have left” #GirodellEmilia #Roglic #Pogacar #JumboVisma #Cycling #Sport
– Cyclism’Actu (@cyclismactu) October 1, 2023
“I will always admire him”
“Primoz (Roglic) will forever hold a special place in my heart as our leader. We are immensely grateful to him for the journey we embarked on together. On a personal level, I will always admire him,” commented Plugge on the official Jumbo-Visma website, before adding, “However, there comes a time when parting ways is the best decision.” The CEO of the team is therefore giving Roglic his full support, stating, “We understand his desire to transfer, and we have too much respect for each other to stand in the way. We have given him our blessing, just as we did with Dylan Groenewegen.” Groenewegen had joined BikeExchange two years ago, even before his contract with Jumbo-Visma had expired. Before his departure, Primoz Roglic still has obligations to fulfill with the Dutch team, starting with the Three Valleys Varésines on Tuesday, followed by a likely participation in the Tour of Lombardy on October 7.
Transfer – Primoz Roglic confirmed it: “I’m going to leave Jumbo-Visma” #Roglic #MercatoVELO #JumboVisma #GiroDellEmilia #Cycling #Sport
– Cyclism’Actu (@cyclismactu) September 30, 2023
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2 Responses
“It’s always difficult to see a talented rider like Primoz Roglic leave the team. However, Richard Plugge’s support and understanding are commendable. Wish them both success moving forward!”
It’s disappointing to see Roglic leave Jumbo-Visma, but it’s a part of the game. Plugge’s comments on the departure will hopefully shed some light on the situation.