The cycling world is abuzz with the latest developments surrounding Primoz Roglic's bid for a historic fifth Vuelta a Espana victory. With just over two weeks to go until the race begins, the Slovenian's chances are now reportedly down to a 50-50 proposition, a stark contrast to the initial optimism surrounding his campaign.
This sudden shift in fortune is a result of a training collision that occurred towards the end of July, which has left Roglic without a competitive race since. The accident, involving a car, has not only disrupted his preparation but also cast a shadow of uncertainty over his participation in the Vuelta. This is a significant setback for Roglic, who has been meticulously planning his 2026 season around this very race.
Roglic's decision to skip the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France this season was a strategic move, allowing him to focus solely on the Vuelta, a race he has dominated in recent years. His campaign has been a series of stage races, with a lighter programme than usual, and his only victory so far came in the Slovenian national time trial championships. The Clasica San Sebastian and Vuelta a Burgos, which were meant to be his final competitive tests before the Vuelta, have now been ruled out due to the training collision.
This incident marks a significant turning point in Roglic's career, especially given his ambitions to become the first five-time winner of the Vuelta. With his contract with Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe set to expire at the end of 2026, this could be his final Grand Tour with the team. The Vuelta holds a special place in Roglic's heart, and a fifth victory would not only solidify his legacy but also bring him back into direct competition with Tadej Pogacar, the dominant force in Grand Tour cycling today.
Roglic's record in the Vuelta is already impressive, having won it four times since his debut in 2019. His consistency and success in the race have earned him a place among the all-time greats, level with Roberto Heras for the most Vuelta wins. However, a fifth victory would elevate him to a legendary status, surpassing Heras and setting a new benchmark in the sport.
The question now is whether Roglic can overcome this setback and still challenge for the Vuelta title. With the race fast approaching, the cycling community is eagerly awaiting his decision, and the world will be watching to see if Roglic can write another chapter in his already remarkable career.
