And as you might expect, veteran Slovenian cyclist Primoz Roglic is getting ready to tackle a historic challenge. He’s already accomplished half that goal by winning the fiendishly difficult Giro d’Italia at the age of 34. Roglic rejoices in his victory on the 2023 edition of the race. Today, he’s just as excited to be fending off challengers to his throne. RCS Sport The 108th Giro d’Italia will treat cyclists to a rollercoaster ride of 3,413 kilometers from Albania to Rome. At over 52,000 meters of climbing, this year’s race is sure to bring some serious drama and competition.
The race kicks off with a grueling opening 160 km stage, bringing competitors from Durazzo to Tirane in Albania. This event promises to be memorable, for it will be the first time Albania has hosted a Grand Tour. With the absence of key competitors Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, Roglic emerges as the favorite to secure another title, bolstered by a strong support team.
Strong Team Support
Roglic will lead the new Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe lineup. He’ll be supported very well by a punchy squad led by all-rounders Adam Yates, Jai Hindley and Dani Martinez. The team’s efforts now should be on providing Roglic the proper support. This will be important, especially as he’ll likely run into the most difficult stages in the Giro.
Rolf Aldag, chief of sport for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, touted his team’s readiness.
“That’s why we’re heading to the start in Albania with a strong, well-balanced team. Primoz is in great shape, and the group around him is well-rehearsed and gives us tactical depth.” – Rolf Aldag
Roglic’s teammates understand what’s expected with him being one of the favorites. They know how important their roles are in keeping him afloat during the long race.
“We know how tough this Giro will be, and we’re also aware that all eyes will be on Primoz,” – Rolf Aldag
Competitive Field Ahead
Roglic, the 2018 Vuelta winner, is on paper the biggest favourite. He will be hard-pressed by his more seasoned compatriots Richard Carapaz, Mikel Landa, and Egan Bernal. Each of these ace cyclists has already shown their mettle in previous iterations of the Giro and are each competing for the top spot.
In recent cycling competition, Roglic has proven his preparedness for this duel. He opened the 2023 season with a stellar victory at the Tour of Catalunya, proving he can play in Grand Tours and one-day classics. That success has created a positive atmosphere, as he gears up to defend his crown.
Adam Yates, one of Roglic’s top domestiques, told reporters he was confident in their chances in the general classification.
“Between myself and Juan I think we should be able to have a good crack on the general classification and try to defend the title, and I’m looking forward to getting started in what I hope will be a very competitive three weeks,” – Yates
The Road Ahead
The 2023 Giro d’Italia promises not only rigorous climbs but strategic team dynamics as Roglic and his team navigate through diverse terrains. The 3,460-mile trek is sure to push the limits of brute force and strategic smarts as the cyclists pedal through stage after stage.
The first stage, an individual time trial, provides a great chance for Roglic to get into the swing of things right from the start. Like most great teams, the strength of their strategy will be in how they work together and position themselves to take advantage of the best opportunities as they come.
With this year’s Vuelta, Roglic is on the verge of making history. His supporters and teammates aren’t just committed—they’re completely devoted to ensuring he’s set up to succeed at every turn. The clock is already ticking down to this historic cycling occasion, where each and every pedal stroke will contribute to a lasting legacy.
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