Tadej Pogačar is suddenly on the European Championships start list; UAE Team Emirates gives an explanation

Pogačar rode the Vuelta a España for the second time in his career with the intention of winning. The Slovenian had recently won the Tour de France for the fifth time, and in 2024 he had triumphed in the Giro d'Italia. A red jersey was still missing from his collection, and he immediately showed he meant business: he won three stages in the first week and had built up a massive lead.

But on the eighth stage, everything went wrong. The team leader of UAE Team Emirates-XRG hit a loose rock and crashed hard. He tried to get back on his bike, but ultimately had to record a DNF. The extent of his injuries turned out to be severe: he had broken his collarbone and a vertebra in his neck. Still, he wasn’t ready to rule out competing in the World Championships in Canada just yet.

The two-time world champion was eager to claim his third consecutive title, but it was quickly decided that it would come too soon. He withdrew from the race for the rainbow jersey, and it was decided that the season was over for the superstar. That meant not only sitting out the Tour of Lombardy, but also the European Championships.

In 2025, the Slovenian had become European champion for the first time with a glorious solo victory in France, but a year later, he had a bigger goal in mind. The European Championships were set to be held in Slovenia, just a stone’s throw from his hometown of Komenda. It would have been amazing to win there, but the crash happened at the worst possible moment.

Right? Well, maybe not. Rumours had already been circulating that he might step up in his home country after all, and those rumors might be more than just rumours. Because if you take a look at the official start list, you’ll see the expected names. On that list? That’s right, one Tadej Pogačar.

Whether it’s a mistake or an early start list remains to be seen. But if he does end up racing in his home country, he’ll likely be the top favorite right away. Of course, his preparation is far from ideal, but if Pogacar races, he’s the favorite—it’s that simple. We won’t know for sure until much later.

Whether it’s a mistake or an early start list remains to be seen. But should he do start in his home country, he’ll likely be the outright favourite straight away. Of course, his preparation is far from ideal, but if Pogacar starts, he’s the favourite – it’s as simple as that. We won’t know for sure until much later.

However, UAE Team Emirates-XRG has responded to the much-discussed list. The Danish outlet Feltelt asked the team for an explanation. ‘This is probably an old list,’ was the response. ‘Although he is training lightly indoors again, he is not expected to ride any races this year.’ A diversionary tactic, or the truth? We’ll find out before 4 October.