INEOS Grenadiers is trying to sign Primoz Roglic for the next two years. The British team is currently focused on Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic in the transfer market. Several sources have confirmed to the Dutch website WielerFlits that INEOS Grenadiers is ready to open its wallet to acquire the 33-year-old Slovenian. Owner and billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to have another cyclist compete for the overall victory in the Tour de France next year.
Jumbo-Visma has repeatedly stated that they will not let Roglic leave. Team manager Richard Plugge said during the last Vuelta a España, “Primoz has been our king since 2016.” Meanwhile, sports manager Merijn Zeeman announced that they still have plans with Roglic for the coming years and that his departure is non-negotiable. Roglic still has a valid contract with Jumbo-Visma’s parent company, Blanco Pro Cycling, until 2025. Due to the merger negotiations with Soudal Quick-Step and the potential arrival of Remco Evenepoel, the situation has evolved significantly in recent weeks.
Team managers confirm negotiations
Several team managers have revealed to the GCN/Eurosport channel, among others, that Roglic will be free to leave Jumbo-Visma for a significant sum. It has also been disclosed that Roglic himself is open to a move to another team. He is negotiating a two-year contract and wants to focus on winning the Tour de France with his new team. He also aims to defend his Olympic time trial title and compete in the World Road Championships in Zurich next year.
INEOS Grenadiers is confident that either Roglic or Evenepoel will join the team next year, according to one of the team leaders. However, Evenepoel also has a close relationship with the bike manufacturer Specialized. The American company would have more capacity to supply equipment to the new merged team next year than Cervélo. So, there seems to be a good chance that Evenepoel will remain loyal to this new super team.