Roglic Conquers Paris-Nice, Adding Another Classic to His trophy Case
Primoz Roglic, the Slovenian cycling sensation, has etched his name into the annals of Paris-Nice history, securing a hard-fought victory in the 80th edition of the prestigious race. This triumph marks Roglic’s second Classic victory, adding to his 2020 liège-Bastogne-Liège win and solidifying his position as one of cycling’s most dominant forces.
Roglic entered the final stage, a grueling test of endurance, with a agreeable lead after his extraordinary victory in the 7th stage on Saturday. Though, his closest rival, Simon Yates, launched a fierce attack on the penultimate climb, threatening to snatch the yellow jersey from Roglic’s grasp.
despite losing a few precious seconds to Yates’s surge, Roglic, aided by the unwavering support of his Jumbo-Visma teammate wout van Aert, managed to weather the storm. The Slovenian’s tactical prowess and the team’s strategic brilliance ensured that Yates’s efforts ultimately fell short, with the Briton finishing just nine seconds behind Roglic at the finish line.
This victory is a testament to roglic’s remarkable versatility and resilience. Already a three-time winner of the Tour of Spain (2019, 2020, 2021) and the 2021 Olympic time trial champion, Roglic has now proven his ability to conquer both Grand Tours and one-week stage races.
Yates, despite his valiant effort, had to settle for second place once again, echoing his 2018 experience where he narrowly missed out on the overall victory. Colombian Daniel Martinez rounded out the podium, securing a respectable third place finish.
Roglic’s victory not only marks a personal milestone but also makes history for Slovenia. He becomes the first Slovenian rider to win Paris-Nice,further cementing his country’s growing presence in the world of professional cycling.
A slovenian Star Rises: Unpacking Roglic’s Paris-Nice Victory with Cycling Legend Sean Kelly
Welcome back, cycling fans! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Sean Kelly, legendary Irish cyclist and two-time Paris-Nice champion, about Primoz Roglic’s stunning victory in the 80th edition of the “Race to the Sun.” Sean, thank you for joining us.
Sean Kelly: It’s a pleasure to be here. Paris-Nice is a race close to my heart, and seeing Roglic’s dominant performance was something special.
Indeed! Roglic’s win marks his second victory in a classic race, adding to his 2020 Liège-Bastogne-Liège triumph. this,coupled with his three Vuelta a España titles and Olympic time trial gold,truly establishes him as a force to be reckoned with. What’s your take on Roglic’s rise to the top?
Kelly: Roglic is a phenomenal all-around talent.He’s got the climbing prowess, the time trial strength, and the mental fortitude to win any race he sets his sights on. This paris-Nice victory, though, is significant because it shows his versatility. He’s proven himself in Grand Tours, but conquering a week-long stage race like Paris-Nice is a different beast altogether.
Absolutely! It was a gripping race right until the end. yates’s attack on the penultimate climb must have had Roglic’s team sweating. How crucial was the support from his Jumbo-Visma teammates, notably Wout van Aert?
Kelly: Absolutely crucial! Van Aert is a powerhouse, and his presence alone can demoralize opponents. He helped Roglic neutralize Yates’s attack and ensure that Roglic maintained his grip on the yellow jersey.Teammates make all the difference, especially in these high-pressure situations.
Roglic’s win also makes history for Slovenia, marking the first time a Slovenian rider has won Paris-Nice. What does this victory mean for slovenian cycling?
Kelly: This is a massive moment for Slovenian cycling. we’ve seen Tadej Pogačar take the cycling world by storm, winning the Tour de France twice, and now Roglic adds another prestigious trophy to his name. It shows the remarkable depth of talent coming out of Slovenia right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more Slovenian names at the top of the podium in the years to come.
Looking ahead, what are your predictions for Roglic in the upcoming Grand Tours?
Kelly: Roglic is a serious contender for any Grand Tour he enters.
He’s already conquered the Vuelta three times, and I wouldn’t count him out at the Tour de France. The competition will be fierce, but Roglic has the potential to win it all.
It’s truly an exciting time for cycling fans. What are your thoughts on the overall state of the sport?
Kelly: Cycling is thriving! The new generation of riders is incredibly talented and exciting to watch. They’re pushing the boundaries of the sport, and it makes for thrilling races.
Sean Kelly, thank you for sharing your insights and analysis with us. This was a truly insightful conversation. To our readers, what are your thoughts on Roglic’s Paris-Nice win? Do you think he can add another Grand Tour to his extraordinary palmares? we encourage you to share your opinions in the comments below!
