It is now certain that Tadej Pogacar will not participate in the European Championships in Slovenia. In recent days, there had been speculation that he might still compete on home soil—despite breaking his collarbone in a bad crash at the Vuelta a Espana last month—but it is now confirmed that this will not happen. Pogacar is not included in the squad announced by the Slovenian Cycling Federation.
The Spanish newspapers El País and El Periódico reported earlier this week that Pogacar was trying to convince his team, UAE Team Emirates, to greenlight a surprisingly quick return to the peloton. However, Mauro Gianetti, his team manager at UAE, did not go along with it.
“His desire to be there is understandable, but it is too early,” he said. “His health comes first, so it won’t happen.”
And indeed, Pogacar is not included in the Slovenian squad announced today. For Sunday’s road race, the home nation will be relying primarily on Primoz Roglic. The veteran put in a strong performance at the World Championships in Montreal. He will be supported by Gal Glivar, Matevž Govekar, Luka Mezgec, Matej Mohorič, Domen Novak, Jan Tratnik, and young talent Jakob Omrzel—who should also be capable of a strong showing himself. Roglic and Tratnik will also compete in the time trial race.