Primoz Roglic's contract options continue to shrink, but a surprise new team enters the conversation
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Follow us on GooglePrimoz Roglic remains unclear about his future. It seems that most teams have dropped out of the race to sign the Slovenian, so retirement may be drawing nearer. But has a new contender suddenly emerged? With a substantial cash injection, TotalEnergies might just enter the fray.
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Despite a strong 2026, Primoz Roglic is still without a team
TotalEnergies rescued by XEFI from 2027 onwards
Jean-René Bernaudeau, team principal of the French team, announced a partnership with IT specialist XEFI this Tuesday. After a long period of uncertainty, TotalEnergies will be able to move forward under a new name next year.
“This partnership with XEFI allows us to uphold these values and take them to the next level through a medium-term project that we’re all incredibly excited about.”- Jean-René Bernaudeau
TotalEnergies need to recruit new riders fast
But the team had already lost a huge number of riders, including stars like Anthony Turgis, Jordan Jegat, and Emilien Jeannière. Now it’s important to be smart, says Stephane Heulot in L’Équipe.
“We’ll try to be as flexible and smart as possible. There will certainly be young riders, but also experienced ones. We’ll have a solid foundation that gives the younger riders the opportunity to gain experience, but no, it’ll be a good mix.”
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TotalEnergies has been saved from ruin by XEFI
Heulot on Roglic's possible arrival: 'I don't want a publicity stunt'
XEFI will not be an all-French team. “It will be more international than was possible this year. This is first and foremost a sporting decision, and it also meets our partners’ expectations," said Heulot.
"We entered the market fairly late, so it was important to carefully evaluate the options that aligned with our values and our history. In a way, we had anticipated everything so that we would be ready at the right moment.”- Stephane Heulot
So is there still a surprise in store? “I think the roster is pretty much complete now,” says Heulot.
“A blockbuster transfer? I don’t know who we could be talking about today. Roglic, maybe? But honestly, it’s not something we’re considering. I don’t want to pull off a publicity stunt like some teams did when they couldn’t afford him. And besides, does that even align with our values?”
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Is Roglic going to XEFI?
Roglic Takes on a Daunting Challenge in Taiwan
And so Heulot, perhaps with a dig at the Unibet Rose Rockets, says quite a bit about a possible transfer for Roglic. Don’t count on it, but who knows. The Slovenian himself is keeping his lips sealed.
He isn’t really focused on next season yet: he’s been in Taiwan for the past few days, where he competed in the Taiwan Masters Challenge.
It’s an incredibly grueling challenge: starting at sea level, riders must climb 105 kilometers over the Wuling Pass, reaching an altitude of no less than 3,275 meters.
With the help of some local riders, Roglic set out to break the record, which was held by Australian Benjamin Dyball. In the end, Roglic took 3 hours, 21 minutes, and 34 seconds to complete the climb—more than five minutes too slow to set the record.
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David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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