Roger Adrian (Barcelona, 1997) lives its second season in the elite with the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, team in which a place of respect has been won. At 27, Catalan was a key piece in the triumph of Primoz Roglic in Lavuelta 2024 and continues to take firm steps in the international squad. The talented corridor attends MARK The weekend that takes bronze medal in the Spanish championships held in Granada. Adrià analyzes his progression, the impact of living with great figures and the sacrifices involved in competing at the highest level.
The Catalan cyclist, with a brand.
Did you expect to be on the Tour de France this year?
The truth was that I hope to be. But the team has taken other very good runners to support Primoz, Lipowitz and company. I wish you the best. I hope I can be in Lavuelta, which is the big one that I have left this year.
What meant to be part of the block that won Lavuelta 2024 with Roglic? Then he won a classic.
It was a very big step forward for me and for my career. It was a bit to try to assimilate and maintain that level the following season. At first I did it: in Strade I saw myself at a very high level. Then things have not done so well, but I hope to recover that level this summer.
Do you feel that you already have the level to be the protagonist?
I think I can have the qualities, but so far I have not demonstrated it one hundred percent. It is hard for me to finish off. I know that if one day I find that change of chip, I can go from third or fourth to win. I have that capacity.
How does the duel between Pogacar and Vingegaard live?
It is a show. They are at an unattainable level for the rest and just enjoy it. The World Cup, starting 100 km from finish and releasing everyone … that would not even happen to me. It demonstrates your mentality. Think things that nobody else thinks.
Do you see differences between them?
Yes of course. Vingegaard is a large laps centered. Pogacar is something else: he wins you in the tour, in Flanders, Roubaix disputes you … that was not seen for many years. Both are portents, but different.
Roger Adrià, posing Para Marca en Granada.
What do you think of the evolution of the material and the risks that it entails? Do you think the new measures to limit developments?
Each year aerodynamics is improved, materials … we are faster. In Cronos we use 68 teeth dishes, we go to 90 or 100 km/h pedaling. You have to set limits for security. With the adrenaline to the fullest, you do not think just like now sitting. It's okay for someone to regulate it.
What would I propose to improve security?
Check the stages well with time. Sometimes we arrive and have to be planted because conditions are not met. There are goals in impossible sites. It is necessary to plan more in advance.
Do you think Spanish cycling will win a great return soon?
Yes. Large runners are coming out and winning races. They are in podiums of great turns. It is not easy to win them because only one wins and all countries are looking for it. But ours are there, and it will soon arrive.
How did the World Cup live with the Spanish 'roosters'? He made very good performance.
Very good. I already knew many before. They are normal people, like you and me. He is very comfortable.
What do you think about the situation of Oier Lazkano? It is not being found.
Don't know. You have to give it time, because adapting to a new team is not as easy as it seems. He is a great runner, has already shown it, and surely he will return to his best level. I have no doubt.
What margin of improvement gives yourself?
You always have to improve. I think that in recent months I have not been at my best level. But I work well, I have confidence in what we do and the results will arrive.
And the team?
The team is fine. Lipowitz has made a podium in Dauphiné and in Paris-Niza. Primoz won in Catalonia. I don't think we are wrong.
In Brand it was reported that Movistar loves him and has not renewed with Red Bull, with whom he ends contract. How is your future?
There we are, trying to get something for next year, yes.
José Vicioso, on the podium of the championships.
How do these situations live?
Totally alien. That takes managers. We focus on training, take care of ourselves and be fine to compete.
Does the weight of the weight or control that are in current cycling affect you?
Today, if you want to perform 100 %, you have to do everything to the millimeter. There are a few days a year to relax. Sometimes you feel like throwing the scale through the window, but there is no other. If you want to be at a competitive level, you have to do everything right. The average level is very high. If you get you, you don't enter the top 50.
Is it easy to have a social or family life with this level of demand?
It is not easy. You cannot eat anything or anywhere. You have to measure everything. You think about training the next day, how you are physically. But it is the life we have chosen. And honestly, I don't see it as very hard. We are privileged. We do what we are passionate about. There are many tougher jobs.
What are your great challenges for the future?
I would like to win a stage in a great return. And then be at least on the podium of some important classic.
