Tadej Pogacar will not defend his continental title at the upcoming European Road Cycling Championships in Slovenia, scheduled for October 2 to 7, after his UAE Team Emirates management ruled out an immediate return following his late-August crash at the Vuelta a España.
Management Halts Slovenian Star’s Return
UAE Team Emirates manager Mauro Gianetti confirmed to the Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport that the multi-time Grand Tour winner will miss the championship event on his home roads. Despite the rider’s desire to compete in front of his home fans, team officials opted to prioritize his long-term recovery from a broken collarbone sustained during the Spanish tour.
“The wish of Tadej to participate in the European Championships is understandable, but it’s too early,” Gianetti told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “His health is the priority, so that won’t happen.”
Medical Clearance and the Push to Race
Before team management issued its final decision, the Slovenian rider sought clearance to rejoin the peloton just a month after his heavy fall.
The Slovenian athlete also posted an image of himself training in Monaco wearing his current European champion jersey on his personal Strava account, signaling his eagerness to line up on October 2.
Next Steps on the Autumn Calendar
With his absence from the European Championships officially confirmed by UAE Team Emirates, attention shifts to the remainder of the autumn calendar. Official race entries and medical updates from UAE Team Emirates will outline Pogacar’s status as the peloton approaches the final Monument of the season at Il Lombardia on October 10.
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