In a surprising late development ahead of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda, Primož Roglič is reportedly set to join Tadej Pogačar in Slovenia’s national team a rare combination of two of the sport’s greatest Grand Tour riders. Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws reports that Roglič is expected to start the elite men’s road race in Kigali on September 28, adding star power to a field already thinned by the withdrawals of Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert.
Roglič’s inclusion strengthens Slovenia’s chances and rekindles one of cycling’s most intriguing rivalries within the same jersey. The last time the pair represented their country was at the 2024 World Championships in Zurich, where Roglič played a key supporting role in Pogačar’s historic victory — Slovenia’s first-ever elite men’s road race world title. While early rumors hinted he might also ride the individual time trial and prepare via the Canadian WorldTour races in Québec and Montréal, those plans have been shelved, with Roglič now making his competitive return directly at the Worlds.
The Worlds won’t close Roglič’s season, though. The Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe leader has also targeted the Italian autumn classics, particularly Il Lombardia, the year’s final Monument, where he and Pogačar are expected to clash as rivals.
For Slovenia, having both Roglič and Pogačar tackle Kigali’s hilly, technical course is a dream scenario. Both are proven winners in tough terrain, but questions remain: Who takes leadership? Can national unity hold in decisive moments? Or will personal ambitions prevail?
This year’s event is historic in itself, as Kigali hosts the World Championships — the first ever on African soil. With few flat sections and plenty of sharp climbs, the route seems tailor-made for riders like Roglič and Pogačar.
Whether it becomes another showcase of Slovenian dominance or sparks internal drama, one thing is clear: September 28 promises unmissable racing.
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