Slovenia has its European champion. Following the continental title won last Sunday by Remco Evenepoel in the road race, yesterday it was Primoz Roglic who gave the home crowd the second gold medal in the elite category, triumphing in the time trial in Šenčur. There were many people on the roads accompanying the Slovenian along the race course and during the awards ceremony, under the podium alongside his family, there were also all the friends from the national ski jumping team.

A victory with special significance for the home rider, who arrived on Slovenian roads at the end of a race tackled for almost its entire duration without radio communication. "It cut out after about a kilometer. I raced practically by feel - Roglic recounted immediately after - We just had to get to the top of Možjanca as quickly as possible. Fortunately it was enough for the title".

The race was decided in the first part of the course. In the first eight kilometers, characterized by the climb towards Možjanca, Roglic built an advantage of 12.91 seconds over Bruno Armirail. The Frenchman recovered ground on the descent and in the flat section towards the finish line, but not enough: Roglic closed with a 6.58-second margin, securing the European title.

"The climb was the decisive point. If I hadn't pushed there, where should I have pushed?" explained the new continental champion. Without information from the team car, the plan was simple: tackle the climb at maximum effort, manage the descent and defend the advantage until the finish. A strategy different from usual, based on a more aggressive start and a finale to be controlled by feel alone.

At the finish line, Roglic immediately reported the radio problem to the Slovenian staff. The setback, however, did not prevent the "Eagle of Zasavje" from signing his 93rd career victory and his second success of the season, both achieved in his home country after the national time trial title won in Karteljevo.

The most intense moment came on the podium. "The ceremony was too short. You want to savor everything and imprint the moment in your memory, but it passes quickly. The most beautiful part was hearing and singing the Slovenian anthem".

Under the podium, there were also his ski jumping friends, the champion celebrated his victory with his unmistakable telemark. "I haven't won often at home. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life", he added.

The triumph also represented a response to the doubts that arose after Sunday's road race, when Roglic had struggled on the second climb of Možjanca. "You are your own worst enemy - he said - The pressure you feel inside can also become what allows you to achieve high performances. I mainly wanted to enjoy the experience".

The European title comes just days before his planned farewell to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. Roglic confirmed that he will race one last time with the German team at the Giro di Lombardia, before opening a new chapter in his career.

On the future, however, the Slovenian remained tight-lipped. "There's nothing new to say, otherwise I would have already said it. We'll see", he declared, suggesting his willingness to continue his professional career. The new European champion's jersey could accompany him in the coming seasons as well: "I hope to wear it not just at home, but also in the saddle".

After the Lombardia, Roglic should reveal his plans at the fifth edition of the Golden Lap, the event organized by his foundation. In the meantime, he is enjoying a victory of particular value: following Tadej Pogacar's triumph in last year's road race, Slovenia now celebrates Roglic in the time trial.

"I couldn't have imagined a better conclusion to this European Championships", said the new continental champion. Raised on the roads of home, without radio and guided only by his own instinct, Roglic has transformed an already historic day for Slovenian cycling into a memory destined to last.