INSPIRATION INSPIRATION Pokljuka, Slovenia The Alpine plateau in the north-west of Primož’s home country of Slovenia is primarily known for hosting the annual Biathlon World Championships and the nearby town of Bled with its picturesque lake. However, the jewel within the Triglav National Park is well worth a visit for cycling enthusiasts too. Whether riding a road bike along the two main roads and the tarmacked side road or an MTB along the many forest trails across the picturesque mountain pastures, the Pokljuka plateau offers spectacularly breathtaking scenery. Primož absolutely loves this climb, and not just due to the dense forestation that offers shade on even the hottest of days: “The scenery is simply a dream. It never stops fascinating me. The climb’s tough on the body but wonderfully soothing for the soul.” During his time as a ski jumper, Primož obtained his high school diploma in economics and subsequently started a degree in the nearby city of Kranj. The famous Planica ski jumping hills are also less than an hour away. For Primož (or ‘Rogla’ as many people know him), coming to this corner of Slovenia is always somewhat of a journey back to his sporting past. And even if ski jumping and cycling don’t initially appear to have much in common, when it comes to his body tone, balance and mobility, the fruits of his hard training all those years ago still help with his successes today. Sa Calobra, Mallorca The road to and from Sa Calobra is the ultimate panoramic route in Mallorca and combines everything the island has to offer for cyclists: steep cliffs, tropical vegetation, rugged, rocky landscapes and, above all, breathtaking views of the sparkling blue sea. These are topped off by the natural rock arch on the lower part of the climb and the famous 270-degree bend just before the top of the pass at the Coll dels Reis. Between these lies a masterpiece in roadbuilding with innumerable winding and hairpin bends, which make this road in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains a tourist magnet – whether on two wheels or four. Every cyclist should attempt the stretch at some point in their life, as the wonderful scenery can effortlessly hold Route from Sa Calobra to the Coll dels Reis Length: 9.4 km Elevation gain: 659 m its own against the highest of Alpine passes. Mallorca is regarded as a cycling paradise for people of all abilities. The pros from Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe take part in a training camp here at the start of each year to prepare their legs and team spirit for the entire season ahead. Even Primož has been here many times before. As a climber, the north-western part of the Balearic island is the ideal place for him to rack up plenty of elevation gain in preparation for the season highlights. The island’s mild climate is also ideal for getting in some proper training during the winter months in Central Europe. Mallorca also has plenty of culinary delights to offer Primož as a fan of fish and seafood. Highest elevation: 711 m Getting to the top means working as a team: Primož Roglič (second from the left) on a training camp with his teammates. Photos: Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe / Red Bull Content Pool / Joerg Mitter (@joergmitter) (2), iStock/Andrey Shevchenko, Shutterstock/Manan Nimawat Route from Krnica to the Biathlon stadium in Pokljuka Length: 16.8 km Natural shade: the Alpine Pokljuka plateau in the north west of the country is densely forested. Elevation gain: 766 m Highest elevation: 1,375 m Heading for the hills: steep mountain roads are the perfect training ground for ‘Rogla’. Nature at its purest: when it comes to scenery, Slovenia has plenty to offer – and not just for professional cyclists. 22 BORA MAGAZINE BORA MAGAZINE 23
