Happy Pogacar, disappointed Vuelta director? Slovenian gets his wish with European Championships on home soil

The European Championships in their current form have not been around for very long. In 1995, the road race for the European champion's jersey was introduced, initially reserved for U23 riders in both the men's and women's categories. In 1997, a time trial was added, but this was still only for promising young riders.

That changed in 2005, when the junior category was added to the European Championships. For the elite, the competition has been around for less than ten years, as the European Championships for elite athletes have only been held since 2016. Finally, in 2019, the Mixed Relay was added.

In terms of organizing countries, we have already seen many countries come and go. The very first European Championships, in 1995, were organized in Trutnov, Czech Republic. The Netherlands organized it for the first time in 2006, initially in Valkenburg and later in Heerlen. Goes was added in 2012, Alkmaar in 2019, and Drenthe two years ago.

The Slovenians have never organized the European Championships before. Thanks to the breakthroughs of Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic, the country now has a keen interest in cycling. As a result, it put itself forward as a candidate for the 2026 European Championships, and that is now a done deal. On Tuesday evening, the organization announced that Ljubljana will host the European Championships next year.

It will take place from October 3 to 7. Just as last year, this date presents a logistical challenge for riders who also wish to compete in the World Championships. These will be held in Montreal, Canada, from September 20 to 27. Just like this year, that means a long flight, and next year, there will also be a time difference to contend with.

Assuming that Pogacar will want to ride the European Championships in his own country and also compete in the Tour de France again, participation in the Vuelta a España seems unlikely once more. Vuelta director Javier Guillén has been trying for years to lure the Slovenian to the race where he once made his breakthrough, but that does not seem likely to happen again in 2026. The Vuelta will then be held from August 22 to September 13.