Philippe Gilbert gives edge to Primoz Roglic at Vuelta a Espana – ‘He seems invincible, unbeatable’

Philippe Gilbert believes Primoz Roglic has the edge in the Jumbo-Visma battle with Jonas Vingegaard heading into this year’s Vuelta a Espana.

The third Grand Tour of the year begins on Saturday and the seven-time stage winner at La Vuelta believes Roglic’s overall form gives him the slight edge over his team-mate.

“On paper Roglic has the better chance, he is really successful and has won pretty much all the major races he has gone for this year,” he told Eurosport.

“He has the best preparation and showed good form at Burgos, where he was really strong. [Jonas] Vingegaard went deep at the Tour and it was a hard Tour. I spoke with a lot of riders and they were so deep in their reserves mentally and physically.

“Roglic has prepared for this race from Rome where he won the Giro and his job was to just train for this. Vingegaard’s job was to win the Tour, which he did. I would say advantage Roglic but we never know how Vingegaard will challenge his team-mate.

Gilbert highlighted the improvements which Roglic has made in recent years and feels that the Slovenian’s greater tactical awareness is reaping dividends.

“It’s impressive the way that he races today. Tactically he was not a good rider and made a lot of mistakes in the past,” he explained.

“But he’s changed his style over the last two years and now waits more for the last few kilometres, the climbs and the sprints. He does more damage to the other riders in this way.

“Sometimes he was attacking at the wrong moments and the wrong place, but was 20% stronger than everyone else. Now he waits and he is so calm.

“It’s a really good way for him to race as he seems invincible, unbeatable. He has such a strong finish and hardly anyone can beat him. Only Remco [Evenepoel] has done it this year in Catalonia where Roglic didn’t even sprint for the finish. He is really hard to beat and can now race at his best.”

He also offered some complimentary words for Geraint Thomas and believes the Welshman’s relationship with Ineos Grenadiers team-mate Laurens De Plus is proving to be greatly beneficial.

“We don’t speak much about him but I think he’s worked a lot. It’s the first time he’s skipped the Tour for La Vuelta and I’ve been following his preparation on social media.

“He has worked a lot with Laurens De Plus and the spirit is really good between them. When you spend so many weeks together it’s always easier in the race. Geraint Thomas has a lot of experience and almost won the Giro. He is still there and will be there again.“