Red Bull explains why 'grandpa' Roglic can compete with Pogacar in 2025: "Why wouldn’t he?"

Dan Lorang, the team’s Head of Performance, is confident that Roglic can hold his own against the younger stars next year. "Primoz can still be there with Pogacar and Evenepoel," he told Velo. "If we get his build-up and preparation right, why can’t he? We see Primoz’s numbers are as good as ever, improving even."

Roglic recently turned 35 in late October, making him eight years older than Vingegaard and a full eleven years older than Evenepoel. Some would say he is the 'grandpa' of the group. "His age doesn't really mean anything," Lorang clearly states. "He’s eight, ten years older than Pogacar and those guys, but as a cyclist, he’s the same. He’s probably been on a bike the same amount of time as them, and that plays a big role. We’re not seeing age impact Primoz like other athletes."

The Vuelta a España champion, who will be without a key teammate next season, seems to be getting better with age — almost like a real-life Benjamin Button. He’s still competing with the best. "It’s about how much space there still is for development," Lorang said. "Because Primoz is so ‘young’ in cycling he’s not reached his ceiling. There’s still room for him to develop, just like there is for Evenepoel, Pogacar. We believe he can still even get better. We see that in his numbers, and that keeps us confident about the future."