As the iconic “Race of the Falling Leaves” – Il Lombardia – unfolded through the lush, hilly terrain of northern Italy, one thing became evident: Primož Roglič, the Slovenian powerhouse, was not at his usual imperious best. The 33-year-old Jumbo-Visma rider, often synonymous with explosive finishes and tactical mastery, fought valiantly in a season that has been one of ‘ups and downs.’ As the finish line approached in Bergamo on Saturday afternoon, Roglič, who had long been a fixture at the top of the general classification in the sport’s marquee events, could not summon the explosive legs that would have been required to follow his compatriot and race favorite, Tadej Pogačar, or even mount a challenge for the podium in the final few kilometers.
For the seasoned Slovenian, Il Lombardia 2025 was another chapter in a tumultuous year filled with triumphs, setbacks, and ongoing questions about his form. The event may have ended with him finishing in 4th place, but it also highlighted the challenges Roglič faced in a season where the lows seemed to shadow the highs.
The Race: A Relentless Day on the Road
The 2025 edition of Il Lombardia was as demanding as ever, with its mix of demanding climbs and technical descents. Known for its brutal ascents and scenic views, the race tested the stamina of every rider in the peloton. From the early stages, it was clear that the day’s finale would not be an easy one. With the likes of Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers), and Roglič himself all eyeing the podium, it was shaping up to be a dramatic conclusion.
Throughout the day, Roglič worked hard to stay near the front of the group. His Jumbo-Visma team, as always, did their utmost to protect their leader and set him up for a final attack, but there were signs that Roglič was struggling. As the decisive climbs approached, the Slovenian seemed to be losing some of the power that had carried him to victory in previous seasons.
The pivotal moment came when Pogačar, whose climbing abilities have been lauded as some of the best in the sport, launched an attack on the steepest sections of the final climbs. Roglič, unable to match the acceleration of his compatriot, watched as Pogačar and Yates surged ahead. While the rest of the peloton scrambled to keep up, Roglič fought to maintain his rhythm.
Roglič’s Reflection: “I Didn’t Have the Legs to Follow”
As he crossed the finish line in 4th place, Roglič was honest about his struggles in the final kilometers. “I just didn’t have the legs to follow Tadej,” Roglič admitted post-race. “I tried to stay with him, but it was impossible. I couldn’t push myself beyond a certain point, and that’s where the race was lost for me.”
It wasn’t the first time in the season that Roglič had admitted to feeling a lack of form. His journey throughout 2025 has been defined by inconsistency. Early in the season, he came into the Tour de France as one of the pre-race favorites, but a series of crashes and a less-than-ideal time trial effort saw him fall out of contention. Despite strong performances in some stages, it became clear that Roglič was not the rider he had been in previous years, and he finished the Tour well outside the top 10.
However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Roglič bounced back with a series of strong results, including a podium finish in La Vuelta a España, where he showed that he still had the ability to challenge the best climbers in the world. That performance kept his hopes alive for the remainder of the season and contributed to his confidence heading into the Il Lombardia.
Yet, as the year progressed, questions began to linger. Was Roglič’s body starting to show the effects of a demanding calendar, or was it simply a case of bad luck and tough competition? The uncertainty that surrounded his form became a theme as the season drew to a close, and Il Lombardia served as a stark reminder that even a rider of Roglič’s caliber is susceptible to the rigors of a long season.
Pogačar Dominates, Yates Shows Class
While Roglič’s struggles were clear, the race belonged to Pogačar, who was in a class of his own on the climbs of Il Lombardia. The UAE Team Emirates rider showed his strength by decisively attacking on the steep gradients, with only Adam Yates able to hold his wheel for a while before fading slightly towards the end.
Pogačar’s victory in Bergamo was another statement of his dominance in the sport. With a season already filled with major wins, including a dominant showing at the Tour de France and a win at the UAE Tour, Pogačar has proven himself to be the rider to beat for the upcoming seasons. His performances this year have solidified his status as one of cycling’s brightest stars, and it is clear that he is on the path to becoming one of the sport’s greats.
Meanwhile, Yates, who finished in second place, showed his consistency and race intelligence. The British rider, often overlooked in the shadow of Pogačar and Roglič, reminded the cycling world of his ability to perform in the most challenging races. His podium finish at Il Lombardia was a testament to his growing prowess in the one-day Classics, and it added another highlight to a season that saw him finish as one of the most consistent performers of the year.
A Season of Reflection for Roglič
After the race, Roglič took time to reflect on his season and his performance in Il Lombardia. “It’s been a year with ups and downs,” he said. “I had moments where I felt great and others where I just didn’t have the legs. It’s been tough, but I will keep working hard and see what next year brings.”
Roglič’s journey through 2025 has undoubtedly been a testing one. The Slovenian has been one of the most consistent riders in recent years, known for his ability to deliver under pressure and for his intelligent, calculated approach to racing. However, the challenges of an ever-increasing competitive field, combined with the physical toll of a long season, seem to have taken a toll.
As the season draws to a close, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Roglič. His performances at Il Lombardia and La Vuelta have shown that he is far from finished, but it will be crucial for him to find the consistency that has been missing this year. In a sport as brutal and unforgiving as cycling, even the best riders face challenges, and Roglič’s journey through 2025 serves as a reminder of the fragility of even the most dominant careers.
What’s Next for Roglič?
Looking ahead to 2026, Roglič will undoubtedly have his sights set on regaining his place among the elite riders of the sport. The Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España will remain key objectives for the Slovenian, but with a new generation of young talent emerging – led by Pogačar – the competition will only grow fiercer.
The upcoming season will also be pivotal for Roglič in terms of strategy. With questions surrounding his form and future, it’s likely that he will have to focus on targeting specific races rather than attempting to compete in every major event. Whether it’s a return to his explosive best in the Grand Tours or a bid to add more one-day Classics to his tally, Roglič’s ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the sport will be critical.
As always, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Primož Roglič bounces back from a season of mixed fortunes. If there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that the Slovenian is not a rider to be counted out.
For now, though, Roglič can reflect on a challenging yet rewarding campaign, one that saw both triumphs and disappointments. His performance at Il Lombardia may not have been the fairytale finish he had hoped for, but as always, the relentless spirit of the Slovenian rider shines through.