The Transition to Cycling: A Meteoric Rise

Primož Roglič’s transition from ski jumping to cycling is one of the most remarkable stories in modern sports. After a serious crash ended his ski jumping career, Roglič turned to cycling in 2012. His rapid rise in the sport saw him compete in his first Grand Tour in 2016, but it was at La Vuelta a España where his true potential was realized.

La Vuelta 2019: The First Victory

Roglič’s first Vuelta win came in 2019, a year after he placed third in the Giro d’Italia. His performances in 2019 marked him as a dominant Grand Tour contender and set the tone for future success in Spain.

Key Moments in 2019

• Time Trial Mastery: Roglič took a commanding lead in the time trials, particularly in Stage 10, where he claimed the leader’s red jersey.

• Mountain Consistency: Despite challenges from climbers like Alejandro Valverde and fellow Slovenian Tadej Pogačar, Roglič’s strength in the mountains was undeniable.

• Overall Victory: He won by 2 minutes and 16 seconds over Valverde, becoming the first Slovenian to win a Grand Tour and marking the start of his Vuelta dominance.

Back-to-Back Wins in 2020

In 2020, Roglič returned to La Vuelta with a mission to defend his title after a heartbreaking loss in the Tour de France. His resilience and tactical genius led to another impressive victory, with Roglič taking home his second red jersey.

Key Highlights of 2020

• Stage Wins: Roglič claimed four stage victories in 2020, showcasing his sprinting ability and versatility.

• Close Rivalry: His main competitor, Richard Carapaz, pushed him to the limit, but Roglič’s consistency in both the mountains and time trials allowed him to defend his lead.

• Final Victory: Roglič won by just 24 seconds, securing his second consecutive La Vuelta title.

La Vuelta 2021: The Historic Three-Peat

In 2021, Roglič cemented his dominance with a third straight Vuelta victory, joining cycling greats Tony Rominger and Roberto Heras as riders who had won three consecutive editions.

2021 Dominance

• Unstoppable in Time Trials: Roglič’s ability to dominate in the time trials gave him an early advantage in the race.

• Mountain Mastery: Roglič claimed key victories in stages like Lagos de Covadonga, showing his ability to attack on the steepest climbs.

• Final Victory: He won by over 4 minutes ahead of Enric Mas, marking his most dominant performance in La Vuelta.

La Vuelta 2024: The Fourth Victory

In 2024, Primož Roglič made history once again by winning his fourth Vuelta a España title, further cementing his status as the King of La Vuelta. His 2024 victory was built on the same attributes that had defined his previous triumphs: exceptional consistency, tactical intelligence, and mastery of both the mountains and time trials.

Highlights of the 2024 Victory

• Stage 19 Mastery: Roglič’s decisive attack on the Alto de Moncalvillo during Stage 19 allowed him to overtake Ben O’Connor in the general classification, regaining the red jersey.

• Final Victory: Roglič finished the race with a lead of 2 minutes and 2 seconds over O’Connor, securing his fourth La Vuelta victory, making him one of the most successful riders in the history of the race​

Consistency and Tactical Brilliance

One of the hallmarks of Roglič’s dominance in La Vuelta is his consistency across all terrains. Whether in the high mountains or flat time trials, Roglič has shown an incredible ability to maintain his form and deliver top performances throughout the three-week race.

Time Trial Expertise

Roglič’s time trial abilities have been central to his Vuelta successes. In each edition, he used the time trials to build a lead or consolidate his position at the top of the general classification. His victories in stages against the clock gave him a crucial buffer over his rivals, particularly in 2019 and 2021.

Climbing Prowess

Despite his time trial strengths, Roglič has proven himself in the mountains time and time again. His ability to attack on steep climbs like the Angliru and Lagos de Covadonga has broken his rivals and allowed him to build his leads in the general classification.

Legacy: The Slovenian King of La Vuelta

With four La Vuelta titles (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024), Roglič stands as one of the most successful riders in the race’s history. His consistency, ability to recover from setbacks, and tactical brilliance have made him one of the greatest Grand Tour riders of his generation.

A Vuelta Legend

Roglič’s achievements at La Vuelta have etched his name in the history books alongside the likes of Roberto Heras and Tony Rominger. With each victory, he has showcased his resilience and all-around capabilities, making him a favorite for fans and a feared competitor for his rivals.

Conclusion

Primož Roglič’s dominance in La Vuelta a España has transformed him into the Slovenian King of La Vuelta. With four victories (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024), Roglič has proven to be one of the most consistent and versatile riders in the history of the race. His combination of time trial power, climbing strength, and tactical genius has made him a true legend of La Vuelta and one of the greatest Grand Tour riders of his era.