Roglič wins the Giro ahead of Kolosej in Rome

Višarje - cycling's holy place

For centuries, St. Višarje has been a pilgrimage shrine for the nations. On Saturday, 27 May, it became a cycling holy place for Slovenians. The atmosphere was euphoric, united, mountain-like and unique. On Saturday, almost only Slovenian flags flew at Sveti Višary and Roglič fought his way to victory in stage 20 and also in the overall standings, his 73rd and 74th of his career. Riding on the wings of his fans and adrenaline, he outsprinted his Welsh rival by 40 seconds. Enough to make him the winner of the Giro by 14 seconds.

"I have no words, I have goose bumps and tears in my eyes, when people support you no matter what the result, it's amazing. I'm incredibly proud to have received such an honour. I gave it my all and I will never forget this day," said the main hero of the day. According to some estimates, there were around 40,000 cycling enthusiasts in Višarje.

Slovenia's first Giro victory

For the first Slovenian victory at the Giro, all he had to do was cross the finish line safely in Rome. He held on to his 14-second lead over his rivals after his brilliant performance the day before to win the Giro in St. Višarje and put on the pink jersey of the leader.

"It was definitely a decisive stage, I had my legs on the right day, not to mention everyone's support. I really enjoyed every metre I rode. I basically went on people's energy. I don't even know how hard it was, I was just flying," said Roglič, dressed in pink.

A day later, Roglič became the first Slovenian winner of the Giro and Slovenia's 17th country to win the Italian pentathlon, just a stone's throw from the Colosseum in Rome. Slovenian riders also won all three three-week races on the calendar.

With his fourth victory in the three-week race, having previously won the Vuelta three times in a row between 2019 and 2021, the 33-year-old ace caught Switzerland's Tony Rominger, Spain's Roberto Heras and Italy's Vincenzo Nibali in 11th place on the perpetual leaderboard. Slovenia is now eighth in the national standings with six wins, after Tadej Pogačar has two more Tour victories (2020, 2021).

Slovenia's cycling fairytale has been going on for years

The Slovenian cycling fairy tale has been going on for years and there is no end in sight. Roglič's is particularly amazing, as he has been ski jumping for many years and became world junior champion in the team event in 2007. Now all that is left of ski jumping is celebrating on the winner's podium. This time, his son Lev joined him in Rome for some unforgettable photos to add to his already extensive collection.
For Roglič, the victory was the 74th of his career. This season, he also won the Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour of Catalonia, continuing his winning streak in the biggest one-week races.

"I don't realise everything yet, but I certainly enjoyed the moment and the range of emotions and everything that happened in Visagrád. It's always nice in the end when you win, but it's even more so after the atmosphere yesterday and cycling around this spectacular place. I enjoyed it very much," Roglič told the organisers in his first reaction to the race.

"As I always say, every victory is special and I am really grateful to have achieved it at the Giro. It will always be in my memory," added the Kisovčan.