Primoz Roglic expects 'big fight' at Giro d'Italia and warns rival Remco Evenepoel he will 'make his life harder'

Primoz Roglic is expecting a «big fight» at the Giro d'Italia and has warned Remco Evenepoel he will «make his life harder» in the battle for the maglia rosa. The upcoming showdown between the 2023 edition's two pre-eminent riders is the talk of most cycling fans, even if some — like former road race world champion Philippe Gilbert — think Ineos Grenadiers' Tao Geoghegan Hart can also challenge for the GC. Ad Roglic has suffered a blow with the withdrawal of his Jumbo Visma domestiques Tobias Foss and Robert Gesink due to Covid-19, but cut a bullish tone in the pre-race press conference — that he appeared in via video link in order to mitigate the risk of any further spread of the illness.

Giro d'ItaliaEvenepoel and Roglic ‘on another level’ but McEwen warns of Giro upsetAN HOUR AGO «Me and the other guys are here to make his [Evenepoel's] life a bit harder on the way to Rome,» Roglic said. «There are a bunch of other champions and strong guys here. It's going to be a big fight.

»Every day will be a new challenge. To finish strong, I'll need to perform at my highest level. ‘Washed the doubts away’ — Evenepoel gears up for Giro d’Italia battle with Roglic ‘I still get a real buzz’ — Thomas steers away from retirement, opens contract talks with Ineos «I am expecting a spectacular final.

The stage to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the time trial will be spectacular. I will need to give everything.» The 33-year-old added: «I'm like a wine, the older the better. »For sure I've grown up, I'm definitely wiser and I'm ready to go for it." Roglic admitted his team's preparations had taken a hit following the Covid outbreak, but said he has «full trust» in the replacements that have been brought in; Rohan Dennis and Jos van Emden.