"An exploration into Primož Roglič's choice of ankle socks during stage 12 of the Tour de France: a curious fashion statement or a practical decision?"
The Tour de France took a unique turn on Thursday as Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič, of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, decided to wear ankle socks during Stage 12 from Auch to Hautacam. The temperature soared over 34 degrees Celsius, but Roglič's choice of attire seemed to be more about managing his tan lines than cooling down.
Roglič, who is the fastest Slovenian at the race not named Tadej Pogacar, joked about working on his tan at the finish line. This decision, while unusual for him, was deliberate and not due to forgetting his socks, as some might speculate.
Theorists suggest that Roglič's decision might be a tactical one, prioritizing cooling benefits over aerodynamic gains. However, available information points towards tan line adjustment as the primary reason for choosing ankle socks.
Roglič's teammate, Florian Lipowitz, forged up the road without him during Stage 12, finishing in fourth position, close to the podium. Despite conceding buckets of time to Pogacar, Roglič currently sits in seventh overall in the Tour de France. Red Bull has two riders in the top 10 of the prestigious race.
Roglič's vibe of not being fully committed to the race persists, despite his team's success. This was evident when he finished Stage 12 in ninth place. However, it's important to note that many riders, including Roglič, were using various cooling techniques due to the heat.
The first proper climbing day of the Tour de France was on Thursday, and the race continues to offer surprises and challenges for all the competitors. As the race progresses, it will be interesting to see how Roglič's ankle socks become a talking point among cycling enthusiasts.
Primož Roglič, despite the heat, intentionally decided to wear ankle socks during the Tour de France, sparking discussions among cycling enthusiasts. Despite his unique choice of attire, Roglič's dedication to the race remains a topic of speculation, as he finished Stage 12 in ninth place.
