When Primož Roglič uttered those twelve words, the cycling world stopped breathing. His calm yet cutting tone during the press interview set off a chain reaction that even he might not have fully anticipated.
Reporters immediately sensed it — this wasn’t just ambition speaking; it was a declaration of war within Red Bull – BORA – Hansgrohe.
Inside the team headquarters, silence filled the air as Roglič’s quote spread like wildfire. Riders and staff scrolled through their phones, watching headlines explode across Europe. “He’s sending a message,” one insider whispered. “He’s reminding everyone who built this team’s reputation.” The timing was brutal — days before the arrival of Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian prodigy expected to reshape the team’s hierarchy.
According to those close to the team, Roglič had felt the tension growing for weeks. Rumors about leadership changes had swirled since Red Bull’s acquisition. Meetings grew colder, and conversations shorter. When Florian Lipowitz, a young German climber, was announced as a new signing, Roglič reportedly responded with a wry smile and a single phrase: “The mountain still belongs to me.”
Remco Evenepoel’s entrance only intensified the storm. The Belgian, confident and ambitious, arrived with his entourage and data analysts, signaling a modern, aggressive approach. Behind closed doors, a quiet battle began — not on pedals, but through strategy, influence, and ego. Team sources confirmed heated exchanges between staff loyal to Roglič and those rallying behind the new generation led by Evenepoel.
Sponsors began asking questions. Red Bull wanted dominance, not division. Their brand depended on results and unity. But every passing day, the gap widened. Roglič, the veteran champion, embodied discipline and control. Evenepoel, the young star, represented speed, innovation, and risk. Their coexistence seemed increasingly impossible, especially with the Tour de France looming as the ultimate prize.
In training camps, the tension was visible. Riders noticed subtle shifts — who trained with whom, who received technical briefings first, who got access to the latest equipment. One morning, a minor scheduling dispute over testing protocols escalated into a shouting match between two coaches. The argument ended only when team director Ralph Denk intervened, warning both sides that “Red Bull doesn’t tolerate civil war.”
Roglič, however, appeared unfazed. During a post-training interview, he smiled coolly when asked about team dynamics. “Pressure is a privilege,” he said. “If they want the yellow jersey, they’ll have to earn it.” His words hit hard, circulating across social media with millions of interactions. The hashtag #RoglicVsRemco began trending, turning the internal rivalry into a global spectacle.
Meanwhile, Evenepoel broke his silence. Speaking to Belgian media, he responded diplomatically but with a sting: “We all ride for the same goal — but some people fear change.” His quote reignited the fire. Journalists compared it to a chess match, each player moving pieces strategically ahead of the Tour. For the first time, fans began taking sides.
Florian Lipowitz, caught in the crossfire, tried to stay neutral. “I just want to learn from both,” he said cautiously. Yet, his growing chemistry with Evenepoel during training raised eyebrows. Insiders speculated that the young star might soon be part of a new power core within BORA, one that could potentially push Roglič to the margins.
By early spring, Red Bull executives intervened. A closed-door meeting in Salzburg was called to “reset the culture” before the season began. Witnesses said voices were raised, and one rider stormed out midway. Hours later, Roglič was seen leaving with his manager, expression unreadable. The following day, he posted a cryptic message on Instagram: “You can replace riders, but not legacy.”
The post shattered the internet. Within minutes, fans flooded the comments, demanding clarity. Did this mean a departure? Was he preparing to challenge Evenepoel head-to-head at the Tour? Speculation consumed cycling media.
As of now, neither Roglič nor Red Bull – BORA – Hansgrohe has issued an official statement. What began as a simple remark about the Tour de France has spiraled into one of the most gripping storylines in modern cycling — a clash of generations, pride, and power. One thing is certain: when the peloton lines up in Paris, the air between Roglič and Evenepoel will be electric, and the world will be watching every pedal stroke.
