Tadej Pogacar rules out a surprise European return

Tadej Pogacar has ended speculation over an immediate return to racing, confirming that he will not compete at the European Championships or in Sunday’s road race in Slovenia. The Tour de France winner is instead targeting his recovery and the seasons ahead after abandoning the Vuelta a España following a crash.

Speaking by video this week during the presentation of the 2031 World Championships in Italy, Pogacar said his condition was improving day by day. The UCI’s number one rider has resumed cycling and is spending the final days of autumn in Slovenia, although he normally lives in Monaco.

Pogacar has extended his contract through 2032 and is already looking towards the 2031 Worlds in Trentino. He would be 33 at that event and hopes to be fit enough to race, while acknowledging that the competition will become harder and that many of his future rivals are not yet known.

He also reflected on the recent World Championships in Montreal, where he was absent. Brandon McNulty, his UAE Team Emirates team-mate, won the rainbow jersey, a result Pogacar followed closely and celebrated with particular satisfaction.