Roster omission and team veto

Slovenia's cycling federation excluded Tadej Pogačar from its eight-man European Championships roster on Wednesday, ending speculation regarding a potential return to competition. The decision followed a direct order from UAE Team Emirates-XRG management, who refused to clear the five-time Tour de France winner for competitive action. Pogačar had sought to defend his continental title on home roads in Ljubljana, five weeks after sustaining collarbone and spinal fractures. Team principal Mauro Gianetti insisted that the squad, which pays Pogačar seven million euros annually, would prioritize health over an accelerated timetable. Gianetti articulated the team's position in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Of course Tadej wanted to race the European Championship in his country. But we have to face the reality of the facts. It is not possible, deadlines cannot be forced. It is too risky, health comes first.”

Crash injuries and medical timeline

The injury occurred on August 29 during stage eight of the Vuelta a España, roughly 31 kilometres from the finish line. At the time of the crash, the 27-year-old Slovenian held an overall lead of three minutes and 50 seconds over eventual race winner Enric Mas. Medical reports confirmed that Pogačar suffered a concussion, a displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 cervical vertebra fracture, and multiple abrasions. The withdrawal was his first abandonment since breaking his wrist at the 2023 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Clavicle surgery in Barcelona repaired the bone, and his operating surgeon, Professor Mir, subsequently gave medical clearance for racing. Team management overruled that clearance, confirming that Pogačar will also miss Il Lombardia on October 10, where he would have sought a sixth consecutive win.

Training return and peloton reaction

Speculation intensified when Pogačar posted social media footage of his return to an indoor trainer two weeks after surgery, followed by outdoor road training on Saturday, September 26. The training clips showed him riding in the world champion rainbow jersey, prompting discussions across the peloton. Pogačar and his team had initially released a joint statement announcing the end of his season, but his rapid resumption of road work caused rivals to anticipate a reversal. In an interview with Danish outlet Feltet, Denmark national coach Michael Mørkov doubted that Pogačar would skip the home event.

“I won't believe that Pogačar isn't racing until the European Championships have started without him on Sunday.”

Slovenia's championship lineup

The final Slovenian roster submitted on Wednesday confirms that four-time Vuelta winner Primož Roglič will lead the home squad alongside veteran Matej Mohorič. The eight-rider lineup also includes Jan Tratnik, Luka Mezgec, Domen Novak, Matevž Govekar, Gal Glivar, and Jakob Omrzel, who won the Calar Alto stage in the recent Vuelta. The men's elite road race will take place on Sunday, October 4, across the Gorenjska region and Ljubljana. The field features international competitors such as Belgium's Remco Evenepoel, the 2025 runner-up. UAE Team Emirates confirmed that Pogačar will focus entirely on rehabilitation and will not race again until the 2027 season.