Pidcock's Pinarello or Lotto-Intermarché: Roglič's 2027 choice reportedly narrows, but we shouldn't count Tudor out yet

The twist came quickly. As recently as 2 October, Cyclismactu reported that Benson considered Tudor the favourite to sign Roglič for next season. On Wednesday evening, Benson wrote on his Substack that a source had told him it was now a choice between Pinarello-Q36.5 and Lotto-Intermarché, according to RTV SLO.

Benson reported: "Apparently, Tudor has pulled out", but added some key timeline information: "His agent has indicated that more information will follow after Il Lombardia." Slovenian outlet Ekipa notes that it is not known whether Tudor walked away, Roglič turned the team down, or the two sides simply could not agree on money.

That is only one side of the story. According to RTV SLO, Belgian newspaper HLN published the opposite at almost the same moment: reporter Bram Vandecapelle wrote that Tudor was the main favourite to land the Slovenian. RTV SLO also notes that Julian Alaphilippe's early retirement freed up salary budget at Tudor, although the Swiss team has only one place left for 2027, with 29 contracts already signed.

Rik Verbrugghe went further than either of them. Speaking to RTBF, the former Belgian national coach suggested that Roglič has already signed with Tudor and that an official announcement should follow soon, Cyclismactu reported on Friday. The French site summed up the confusion with a simple question: who should we believe?

Benson has not changed his view. In his newest newsletter, written at Gran Piemonte, he writes that "Lotto Intermarché and Pinarello Q36.5 remain in the driving seat to sign the veteran rider, with news expected after Il Lombardia." He also admits: "I still think a move to Tudor makes a lot of sense, but the noise from the team suggests he's not going there."

Roglič's camp is giving nothing away. At the European Championships time trial, his manager Mattia Galli would only smile when asked about his client's future, RTV SLO reported.

For Pinarello-Q36.5, this would be one more big name in an already busy transfer window. The team is reportedly bringing in Giulio Ciccone. Back in the summer, we reported that Roglič had been linked with the Swiss team as its second star alongside Pidcock. The team is backed by billionaire Ivan Glasenberg and has invested heavily since signing Pidcock in 2025.

There is room on the roster. RTV SLO counts 26 riders under contract at Pinarello-Q36.5 for next season and 27 at Lotto-Intermarché. If the Slovenian signs, Pidcock, Ciccone and a four-time Vuelta winner would all be on the same team.

Lotto-Intermarché has made no secret of its interest. "We are interested in Primoz, but we should not pretend that other teams are not interested as well," sporting manager Kurt Van de Wouwer told CyclingFlash at the end of August. Roglič himself confirmed before the Vuelta that talks with the Belgian team had taken place.

Wielerplaza reports that the departures of Arnaud De Lie and Lennert Van Eetvelt could free up enough budget, and that the team has made the Slovenian an offer. Lotto-Intermarché can offer him a clear role as Grand Tour leader, and he could pass on his experience to Jarno Widar, who recently showed his star potential by out sprinting Pidcock in Italy.

Saturday's Il Lombardia will be Roglič's last race in Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe colours. After that, his agent has promised to say more on the matter.