Team LottoNL-Jumbo strengthened its roster with talented Slovenian rider, Primoz Roglic. The 25-year-old inked a deal for two years, through 2017. He had other WorldTour offers, but decided on LottoNL-jumbo because of the professionalism and the coaching team that believes in his abilities.
 
Roglic knows what it is like to live as a professional athlete. He was a ski jumper at a high level and a member the national team. A heavy fall put an end to that career, but opened the door to cycling during his rehabilitation. After a while on the bike, he had no problems in the peloton and could hold his ground. This year, he broke through with several race wins in the EuropeTour.
 
"I am very happy with this move to the highest level in cycling," said Roglic. "I am really looking forward to it. I am a sportsman at heart. After my crash, I wanted to become a professional cyclist. It is something totally different, but elite sport remains elite sport. You have to work hard for it.
 
“I’m a rider for the heavy work in the mountains and the classification. The team's philosophy has touched me, like their warm welcome. That inspires me! Now, we can grow together into something beautiful."
 
The team of coaches and trainers at LottoNL-Jumbo subjected Roglic to a series of rigorous tests, including physical endurance tests. It showed that he has a big engine. The combination of that and being a small athlete gives him a big advantage.
 
"He really impressed at different races where he competed against some good WorldTour riders," explained Sports Director Nico Verhoeven.
 
"He was a top athlete. He thinks and lives like that. He has a good elite sport attitude and drive which fits us. We have talked a lot with him and turned him inside out. You can see a very fast physical development and good race insight. He is a great talent and is a fast learner with big abilities. He suits us and he can flourish in our team and win races."
 
On Friday, October 16th, Roglic will meet with his new team-mates in Utrecht.