After the hiring of Primoz Roglic by the BORA-hansgrohe team, Aleksandr Vlasov leaves a position he held several times on the team, that of captain. However, this new role does not discourage the Russian, who reveals that he is excited to compete alongside the Slovenian cyclist in 2024.
During the next Tour de France, Vlasov will be Roglic’s main gregarious, seeking to finally win the coveted Maillot Jaune, which so far the Slovenian has not won.
Order promptly fulfilled
“I asked for it myself, but I think the team thought the same. It’s the biggest race in the world and I see it as a special edition, with the finish in Nice, because I live in Monaco” (the last stage will start in Monaco, with the finish and prize in Nice).
Vlasov gives up leadership position to support Primoz Roglic
The 27-year-old has long been seen as someone who could win Grand Tours or at least podiums and although that is not his goal in the 2024 Tour de France, Vlasov is excited to ride alongside Roglic and help him through this. conquest.
“We have complete confidence in Primoz, he is a cyclist who can win the Tour de France. This is also the team’s goal and we are all fully committed to it, which I think is very good,” explains Vlasov.
“Of course we still don’t know what the final result will be, but either way it will be a wonderful experience. As for me, I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from this, also for the future.”
Hiring Primoz Roglic was a pleasant surprise
“I thought it was great news, it was a good surprise,” Vlasov said of his initial thoughts upon learning of Roglic’s signing to the team.
“I like hanging out with stars because you can learn a lot from them: how do they approach things, how do they run? He also lives in Monaco, so we sometimes talk during training. Primoz is very relaxed, friendly and open, I think he is a really nice guy. That’s also good to see, because if a leader feels good, you get into it too.”
With Vlasov’s contract also expiring at the end of the year, he realizes he needs a good year. “2023 was not my best year, but I have no stress or pressure. I know I can achieve good results, so everything will go well,” he insists.
“I still don’t know where my future will be, but this is something that will come naturally. I’m just doing my best, as always,” concluded Vlasov.