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Primož Roglič won the European Time Trial Championship in Sencur, Slovenia, covering the 22-kilometer course in 28 minutes and 16 seconds at an average speed of 46.68 km/h, according to race reports. The Slovenian rider claimed his first European title in the discipline, holding off a strong French challenge led by silver medalist Bruno Armirail and bronze medalist Maxime Decomble.
How Roglič Claimed Victory on Home Roads
Racing on a demanding route that featured the steep climb up Mojčanca—measuring two kilometers at an average gradient of 10.2 percent—Roglič managed his effort perfectly to secure the 93rd victory of his professional career. The Slovenian rider, who also captured Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021, mastered the brutal slopes while heavier, pure power-rouleurs struggled on the ascent. Eurosport reported that the Slovenian capitalized on the absence of regular title contenders like Remco Evenepoel and Filippo Ganna to dominate the individual test against the clock.
Le Soir noted that Roglič’s winning time gave Slovenia its sole medal of the European Championships held in the home country of Tadej Pogačar, who missed the event due to a crash at the Vuelta a España. With Evenepoel choosing to focus on the Il Lombardia classic, Roglič seized the opportunity on familiar roads around Sencur to add the European jersey to his extensive palmarès.
Armirail Settles for Silver Despite Podium Ambition
Bruno Armirail delivered a stellar ride for Team Visma | Lease a Bike to take the silver medal, finishing just seven seconds behind Roglič. Despite securing his first individual medal at a major international championship, the French rider admitted to mixed emotions after coming within striking distance of the gold jersey. Speaking to La Chaîne L’Équipe, Armirail expressed lingering frustration over missing out on the top step.
I had victory in the back of my mind,
Armirail said. To finish six seconds short of a nice European champion jersey is a shame, that’s how it is. It’s not easy for me personally at the moment. We’re going to refocus on the end of the season.
The 32-year-old from Bagnères-de-Bigorre also addressed critics who questioned his form following a 26th-place finish at the World Championships in Montreal. At the Worlds, I was heavily criticized for my result by those who aren’t on the bike, it’s easy,
Armirail remarked. Today, I proved that I am not that bad at time trialling, that people can still count on me.
Decomble Surprises the Elite Field for Bronze
Twenty-one-year-old Maxime Decomble provided the breakout performance of the day by claiming the bronze medal, finishing 28 seconds behind Roglič in his debut elite championship appearance. Competing for Groupama FDJ-United, the young Frenchman utilized his climbing prowess on the Mojčanca ascent to fend off established specialists including Ilan Van Wilder, Stefan Küng, and Kasper Asgreen. RTBF reported that Decomble’s compatriot Juliette Berthet also earned a bronze medal earlier in the day to cap a strong showing for the French delegation.
It’s huge,
Decomble said of his podium finish.
The Battle for the Remaining Top Positions
Behind the podium trio, Belgian rider Ilan Van Wilder narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth at 33 seconds behind Roglič and just four seconds off Decomble’s bronze-winning mark, according to RTBF. Switzerland’s Stefan Küng and other heavier time-trial specialists found themselves undone by the sharp gradients of the Mojčanca climb, failing to claw back sufficient time on the flat run-in toward Sencur. Sander De Pestel rounded out the notable performances for Belgium by finishing 17th, one minute and 13 seconds off the winning pace.
What Lies Ahead for the Contenders
With the European Time Trial Championships concluded, attention shifts toward the final major one-day races of the European autumn calendar. Riders who bypassed the Slovenian time trial, including Remco Evenepoel and Paul Seixas, prepare for the upcoming Il Lombardia classic, while Italian specialist Filippo Ganna turns his focus toward the track world championships in Shanghai.
