After some rumors spread rapidly (despite having a contract for two more years) and having mentioned leaving Jumbo-Visma several months ago, many journalists across Europe argue that Primoz Roglic should leave the Dutch team. This would potentially give him more freedom and leadership, even in pursuit of the Tour de France yellow jersey. Richard Plugge, the team’s general manager, completely dismissed these rumors.
“There has been no approach. Roglič is our king, as I have messaged you in the past, and that is still the case. He has won every GC race he started this year, except this one, and he has won 15 races this year. Why would I consider letting him go?” said Plugge to the British channel GCN.
“This is a very difficult discussion, but if teams are interested and there are rumors, then maybe one day he will knock on my door, but not yet. Roglič is our king, and it’s hard to let the king go.”
“If you compare it to football, he’s the top scorer who scores the most goals for our team, along with Jonas. If he leaves, we’ll lose a lot of goals, and we’ll have to find someone who can score more goals, and there aren’t many people who can do that,” Plugge added.
Rumors are coming from INEOS Grenadiers, Lidl-Trek, and Movistar Team
The main point of the rumors revolves around how Roglic will never have the opportunity to lead a team in the Tour de France again due to the presence of Jonas Vingegaard in the team. The rumors specifically come from INEOS Grenadiers, Movistar Team, and Lidl-Trek, teams with large budgets that don’t hide their search for an undisputed captain.
When asked about the potential leadership of Roglic in the Tour de France, Richard Plugge is emphatic: “We’ll see. We’ll see what the discussions will be, and I can’t look forward or address things that may happen. We have to have the discussion and put everything on the table,” Plugge revealed.
