Primož Roglič flattered with transfer rumours but plays down chance of leaving Jumbo-Visma

Primož Roglič may have had to settle for being a loyal teammate and finishing off the top step at this year’s Vuelta a España, but at least the three-time winner can take solace from the rumours and speculation of a possible move away from Jumbo-Visma.

Whispers surrounding Roglič’s future have been racing through the peloton for over a year with Ineos Grenadiers, Movistar Team and most recently Lidl-Trek linked with the Slovenian Grand Tour specialist. The current Giro d’Italia champion has a year remaining on his current deal and last month his Jumbo-Visma bosses downplayed any hint of the rider being allowed to leave before his contract expired.

Jumbo-Visma directeur sportif Merjin Zeeman recently told GCN: “There has been zero discussion. So I think it’s a complete bullshit story. Of course we wouldn't let him go. We’re building a team for the long term and that’s the strategy. We want to make sure that these guys are under long-term contracts and we don’t give that away. Plus I saw the report and I think what his manager said is that Primož is also very happy with the team. So I think that from both sides we are committed to each other.”

Speaking to Flobikes and GCN at the start of stage 19 of the Vuelta a España, Roglič laughed off speculation of a move away, saying ‘no, not really’ when asked if cycling fans should read too much into the links to rival teams.

“These are good things for me. It means someone wants me and that means I’m good,” he added.

Roglič heads into the final set of stages in third place overall in the Vuelta a España, sitting behind his teammates Sepp Kuss and Jonas Vingegaard. The fact that Roglič had to be held back in the Vuelta and initially made no secret of his desire to win the race before dropping Kuss on the Angliru will no doubt fuel further transfer speculation over the off-season.

As for the coming days in the Vuelta and the situation involving the three Jumbo-Visma leaders, Roglič said: “Everyone has their own opinions and their own possibilities to do their own things but for sure I support riding for Sepp. I just hope that we can finish it off.”

Roglič continued in his more supportive role, speaking of Kuss as a person and teammate, far removed from the hints of his desire to win the race he'd made just a few days ago.

“Everyone should comment on doing their own things but I’m happy. I try to keep the focus to finish it off. He’s a super nice person. He’s one of my close friends. We give everything to help him finish it off,” Roglič said.

Keep up to date with all of the latest racing news from the Vuelta a España on our dedicated race page, linked here.