Visma rules out a return for Primož Roglič and changes its plans to complete its 2027 roster

What seemed like a real possibility just a week ago has been ruled out. Visma Lease a Bike has decided not to bring back Primož Roglič, despite having maintained contacts to understand the Slovenian's intentions for 2027. The Dutch team still has an open spot in its roster and is now exploring other alternatives, including taking advantage of the licensing issues of several professional structures.

Primož Roglič will not return to Visma in 2027 and his future remains open

The possible return of Roglič to Visma had been one of the most striking news items in recent days in the transfer market. Three years after leaving the team where he achieved some of his greatest successes, the Slovenian was once again among their potential signings. However, according to WielerFlits reports, sources from the Dutch structure itself confirm that they have already communicated to the rider's camp that they will not proceed with the operation.

The reasons for this decision have not been disclosed. Roglič, who is about to turn 37, is finishing his contract with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe and has not yet clarified whether he will continue competing next season.

His recent performance shows that he can still aspire to significant results. In 2026 he finished second in the Vuelta a España and won the European Time Trial Championship, two results that have kept his name among the most interesting in the market.

Visma seeks another profile to complete its 30 riders

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The decision to rule out Roglič does not mean that Visma has closed its roster. Currently, it has 29 cyclists contracted for 2027 and its intention is to add one more to reach the maximum of 30 allowed by the UCI.

The last spot has been deliberately kept open. The team wants to have room to take advantage of any market opportunity that may arise before the end of the year, a strategy that has previously allowed them to sign riders like Tiesj Benoot, Cian Uijtdebroeks, or Louis Barré.

If they do not find a particularly attractive opportunity, the sports management would look for a rider with suitable characteristics for the classics, but versatile enough to work in different races and perform support roles.

This need also responds to what happened during 2026, when the roster proved too short at certain moments and the team had difficulties presenting enough riders in all the planned competitions.

The licensing issues of Picnic PostNL and Jayco AlUla may open new opportunities

One of the options being considered by Visma is related to the administrative situation of several professional teams. Picnic PostNL, Jayco AlUla, and TotalEnergies did not appear in the first list published by the UCI with the structures that had submitted all the necessary documentation for their registration in 2027.

As we already explained when analyzing the situation of Picnic PostNL and Jayco AlUla before the UCI, this absence does not imply that they have lost their category, but it does create uncertainty about their rosters.

The regulations allow riders from teams that did not meet the first documentation deadline to terminate their contracts early, although this right disappears if their formation ends up obtaining registration.

This circumstance could facilitate unexpected movements in the market, and Visma is keeping an eye on what happens. According to WielerFlits, other major teams have already begun to show interest in young talents from Picnic PostNL following the publication of the UCI's first list.

Elliot Rowe and Ashlin Barry, the alternatives within the team

If none of the market options convince the sports management, Visma is also considering promoting a rider from its development structure.

The two names that come up in this possibility are Elliot Rowe and Ashlin Barry. The British Rowe, 20 years old, has a slight advantage because the team believes he is in a more advanced stage of development.

Barry, for his part, has just been crowned under-23 world champion and would be interested in leveraging the rainbow jersey to compete in certain category events next season.

For now, none of these alternatives are finalized. Visma wants to analyze both the signing opportunities and the sporting, economic, and personal fit of potential candidates before making a decision.

Meanwhile, Roglič's future remains open. Lotto-Intermarché, Tudor, XDS Astana, and Pinarello-Q36.5 are among the teams that have shown interest in the Slovenian, although the first pending decision remains that of the rider himself: to determine whether he wants to continue for another year in the professional peloton.