In the final countdown to the World Championships in Kigali, cycling fans were caught off guard by a pointed remark from Primoz Roglic that immediately set the sport buzzing. Speaking to reporters just after arriving in Rwanda, the decorated Slovenian rider stated, “We need to create space for Tadej Pogacar – not stand in his way.” On the surface, it was a message of support for one of the most dominant figures in modern cycling. Yet for those who have followed the complex dynamics within the UAE-based team where Pogacar has risen to global stardom, Roglic’s comment sounded like more than simple praise. It hinted at a shifting balance of power and a redefinition of roles in one of the sport’s most closely watched line-ups.
For years, Pogacar has been the undisputed star of UAE Team Emirates, a rider capable of winning both Grand Tours and prestigious one-day races. His aggressive style and consistent results have made him the natural focal point of the squad. Roglic, by contrast, has built his reputation largely outside of UAE’s structure, excelling as a leader for other teams in stage races. His move to align with UAE for the Kigali Worlds — even temporarily in a national-team-like context — immediately raised eyebrows, as it brings together two of the peloton’s most formidable names under the same banner.
Roglic’s statement suggests that he is prepared to defer to Pogacar in Rwanda, allowing the younger champion to take the team’s full backing. This is a dramatic departure from the expected script, where two superstars might clash over leadership. Instead, it paints a picture of a calculated alliance aimed at maximizing UAE’s chances of victory at the Worlds. But it also raises tantalizing questions: is Roglic genuinely willing to sacrifice his own ambitions, or is he positioning himself to strike if circumstances change during the race?
Observers note that the UAE set-up for Kigali is stacked with support riders capable of dictating the race tempo and protecting both leaders. This opens the door to a dual strategy in which Pogacar is the primary card, but Roglic remains a lurking threat. If Pogacar becomes heavily marked by rivals, Roglic could use the distraction to launch a decisive counterattack. Such a scenario would not only showcase UAE’s tactical depth but also reveal whether Roglic’s words were a sign of genuine support or a clever piece of psychological maneuvering.
The cycling world is now eagerly awaiting the opening kilometers of the Kigali course to see how this high-stakes partnership plays out. Pogacar arrives in peak form after a dominant late-season run, while Roglic has kept his preparations under wraps, fueling speculation about his true intentions. Whatever unfolds on race day, Roglic’s remarks have already ensured that the focus will not just be on Pogacar’s bid for the rainbow jersey but also on how two of cycling’s biggest stars will coexist within the same colors. It is a story of power, strategy, and ambition that promises to shape the narrative of the championship.
