Roglic showed superb condition in the finish to Torgon, attacking on the climb and then closing down a late move from Hugh Carthy (EF Education First) and leading out the sprint to take an impressive victory.
“I didn’t expect to win here,” said Roglic. “After Tirreno-Adriatico, I went on an altitude camp in preparation for my main goal, the Giro. I recently came back from it.
"Then you have to wait and see how things will go. It was a tough day with a lot of climbing. It’s a nice feeling that I was able to win, especially in a sprint. It surprised me, because normally there is always someone who is faster."
Roglic retained his status as the race leader, with a 12 second lead over stage runner-up Rui Costa (UAE Team Emirates) and 16 seconds over Damien Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ).
"Winning in Romandie always is a special feeling," said Roglic. "I love to race here. In Steven (Kruijswijk), we have a pawn who can go for the GC. He rode very well today, just like the rest of the team. We will continue to keep doing our best.”
The stage was shortened by 70 kilometres in the lead-up to the race as snow made a number of roads too treacherous for racing.
“The drop in temperature forecast as well as the strong winds and risk of snow showers across the Prealps called for a reduction of the day’s programme,” read a statement from the Tour de Romandie. “The temperature on the Col des Mosses will be 2°C but with an apparent temperature of -2°C.”
“Since yesterday, the two potential replacement routes had already been marked out in case the weather risks were confirmed, so the peloton will be guided by the same signage and the municipalities on the route were informed of the possible passage of the Tour de Romandie.”
