Roglič Throws Down The Gauntlet

Slovenian lands early blow in battle for the maglia rosa

- James Shrubsall

Primo Rogli (Jumbo-Visma) left his rivals in little doubt as to his form and his focus on overall Giro d’Italia victory last weekend, winning the opening time trial in Bologna in dominant style.

The 29-year-old Slovenian clocked 12.54 for the 8.2km course, which featured a significant climb over the last two kilometres. Simon Yates (MitcheltonScott) was second, 19 seconds back, while a good ride from Vincenzo Nibali saw him take third place at 23 seconds. Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) and Miguel Angel López (Astana) rounded out the top five, both at 28 seconds.

It was a bold opening gambit by Rogli, who was still in the maglia rosa as CW went to press on Tuesday morning. There has even been speculation as to whether he could wear pink for the entire three weeks.