Tadej Pogačar will travel to Canada at the end of September to attend the UCI Road World Championships in Montréal, according to reports from WielerNieuws.be, despite being forced to miss his opportunity to defend his world title following a severe crash during the Vuelta a España.
The Slovenian rider sustained a concussion, a broken collarbone, and a fractured neck vertebra in the high-speed accident, requiring immediate surgical intervention. With his competitive season officially over, national coach Uroš Murn confirmed that Pogačar will arrive in Canada on Tuesday and remain through the conclusion of the event to support his national teammates and his fiancée, Urška Žigart, from the sidelines.
Slovenian Leadership Shifts to Primož Roglič
Without their reigning world champion, the Slovenian coaching staff has recalibrated its strategy for the North American parcours. Murn has designated Primož Roglič as the team’s primary leader for the elite men’s road race, supported by key domestiques Jan Tratnik and Jakob Omrzel.
According to the Slovenian camp, Roglič enters the final stretch of the season in exceptional condition, and the demanding Montréal circuit suits his aggressive climbing style.
Tactical Doubts Cast on the Belgian Camp
Looking at the broader start list, Murn pointed to Remco Evenepoel as the definitive top favorite to claim the rainbow jersey in Montréal. However, the Slovenian coach also raised questions regarding the internal dynamics of the Belgian national selection, suggesting that shared leadership could create friction on the road.
Reporting from Sporza, Nieuwsblad, and HLN highlighted concerns that the presence of both Evenepoel and Wout van Aert—who has showcased formidable strength during the Vuelta—might spark tactical tension.
Pogačar will observe how that dynamic unfolds from the roadside, witnessing firsthand which rider ultimately succeeds him in the world champion’s stripes.
Next Steps and Event Schedule
