Before starting his cycling career, Primož Roglič was devoted to ski jumping. In 2006, his team won the silver medal at the junior world cup in ski jumping in Kranj and a year later, they even became world champions in Italy. He finally said goodbye to ski jumping in 2012, although he could have had ended his ski jumping career back in 2007, when he experienced a bad fall in Planica, which was the largest ski flying hill in the world at the time.
Even though he broke his nose and suffered a concussion, he persisted with ski jumping for another four years, gathering experience which would also benefit him in cycling. Back in 2012, he was already tackling cycling hills as a recreational cyclist. Soon, he soon proved to have an incredible talent for road cycling.
See a selection of Primož Roglič’s most prominent achievements at international races and at the Olympic Games.
Overall wins at other races
There are not many cyclists who would buy their first bike at the age of 22 and then three years later win the Tour of Slovenia cycling race (2015). Primož is certainly a unique sports phenomenon, who has set his sights on becoming an all-round cyclist. At first, he was only good at cycling up hills (there are many hills in Slovenia, making it a perfect practice ground), but later on became good at cycling on the flat, as well, training on the many cycling routes in the Dolenjska region.
He was spotted by scouts from the Dutch Team Jumbo-Visma, a UCI WorldTour team, which is still his team today. Wearing the distinctive yellow and black kit of Jumbo – Visma, he started to push the boundaries of Slovenian cycling and became the first Slovenian to win stages in the most prestigious cycling races in the world. By winning the 2019 Vuelta a España, he became the first Slovenian to win one of cycling's Grand Tours, the three major three-week cycling races (Tour de France, Giro and Vuelta). With two more victories, he has proven that the Vuelta was right up his alley and made history as the third cyclist to win a Spanish Ribbon for three consecutive years. The overall wins at the Spanish Vuelta are not the only victories from the big three races. At the 2023 Giro d'Italia, he seized the pink jersey as the overall race leader. He assured himself the victory before the finish in Rome after winning the penultimate, mountain stage at Višarje with the loud support from the Slovenian fans.
He also became the first Slovenian cyclist to win medals at both the UCI world championships and the Olympic Games.In September 2017, he won a silver medal in the time trial at the UCI World Championship in Bergen. After having to quit the 2021 Tour de France early due to injuries, at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, he "exploded" in the time trial and, after a remarkable performance, became the Olympic champion.
Primož Roglič is one of the many Slovenian top athletes who excel on the international stage. Slovenia ranks among the best in the world in terms of Olympic medals per capita! Slovenia is a true phenomenon in the world of sport, and many wonder what is the secret to the success of this small country in the heart of Europe. Here are some of the reasons for Slovenia's sporting success.
Primož Roglič, known by the nickname "Rogla", hails from a country that is famous for its picturesque green landscape. Slovenia's diverse landscape is an excellent place for cycling. Roglič and other top Slovenian cyclists – Tadej Pogačar, Matej Mohorič, Jan Tratnik, Luka Mezgec and others – have all practised their cycling skills on diverse cycling trails.
Slovenia is a paradise for cyclists. Cycling is one of the most popular activities among Slovenians. The successes of Slovenian cyclists at top cycling races additionally boost the enthusiasm for cycling. The diverse landscape is the perfect venue for all kinds of cycling – road to mountain cycling, family cycling or long-distance challenges. Discover more reasons why it is worth visiting Slovenia by bike.
MoreSlovenia is a paradise for cyclists. Cycling is one of the most popular activities among Slovenians. The successes of Slovenian cyclists at top cycling races additionally boost the enthusiasm for cycling. The diverse landscape is the perfect venue for all kinds of cycling – road to mountain cycling, family cycling or long-distance challenges. Discover more reasons why it is worth visiting Slovenia by bike.
MoreSlovenia offers interesting cycling trails for road cycling enthusiasts; the trails cover a variety of terrain, so cyclists can choose a different experience each time. Many of the cycling climbs have their own charm and are suitable for training professional cyclists. The most demanding, but also the most popular climbs are climbs to Vršič, Mangart, Krvavec, Rogla and Areh.
MorePrimož likes to ride hill climbs around Mariborsko Pohorje. A climb to Areh is his favourite, but of course he also cycles in all other parts of Pohorje. Mariborsko Pohorje offers more than 20 cycling routes covering more than 1,000 kilometres, with the lowest point at 275 metres above sea level and the highest at 1,400 metres above sea level. If you prefer to cycle on the flat, you can also cycle around vineyards near Maribor.
In the Dolenjska region, along the Krka river, there are many cycling trails that go through the beautiful countryside and past natural and cultural-historical sites. The Dolenjska region offers 12 circular routes that start either from the Šmarješke Toplice spa or the Otočec hotels, with some of them over 65 km long. For cycling training, there are over 540 km of cycling routes in the Dolenjska region.
Primož was born and raised in Trbovlje, in Zasavje region. He attended secondary school and university in Kranj. When he is in Slovenia, you will most probably find him in Hoče, in the heart of Štajerska, where he found the love of his life, Lora Roglič Klinc, his most faithful fan, with whom he has two sons Lev and Aleks.
Discover the diversity of Slovenia's landscape by bike. There are cycling routes for all in every corner of Slovenia. Think green and explore towns on a classic or electric bike that you can hire in many Slovenian towns.
Explore Slovenia by bike. The dynamic landscapes of Slovenia, with their countless natural beauties, are ideal for a biking holiday.
Road biking is very common in Slovenia. Numerous trails run on various terrains in a clean natural environment.
Experience the active Slovenia and get to know its sporting heart.
Get to know the mountain biking in Slovenia through its diverse trails, bike parks and mountain biking festivals!
Long distance trails are the perfect way to discover Slovenia by bike.
Pick an unforgettable cycling experience on some of the most beautiful trails.
Socialise at cycling events across Slovenia!
Discover green Slovenia in a simple and sustainable way – by e-bike.
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