Tadej Pogacar Admits He's Not Race-Ready, Forfeits Rainbow

Tadej Pogacar is sidelined, his world champion's rainbow jersey passed to a new owner. The Slovenian superstar has admitted he is not in good enough shape to compete after the serious injuries he sustained in a crash at the Vuelta a España in August. His absence reshaped the entire landscape of the recent World Road Race Championships in Montreal, where American Brandon McNulty seized a surprise victory on September 27.

Pogacar Confirms His Fitness Struggles

Speaking publicly for the first time since his Vuelta crash, Pogacar set the record straight about his condition. He was present at the European Championships in Slovenia last weekend but only as a spectator, forced to watch Remco Evenepoel win on home roads. "I’ve been cycling for a week now, and I know my form is pretty poor, so I didn’t want to compete," Pogacar said. He revealed that he and his partner, Urška Žigart, who also missed the event with a broken jaw, felt the sting of watching from the sidelines. Pogacar used the occasion to pay tribute to retiring Slovenian teammate Luka Mezgec, calling him a very important part of his career.

A Wide-Open World Championship Without the Favorite

Pogacar's withdrawal from the defense of his world title in Montreal turned the men's road race into an unpredictable affair. Riders and teams immediately recognized the opportunity. Ireland's Ben Healy, who finished third behind Pogacar last year, said the Slovenian's absence made the race "open" and "chaotic." Healy noted, "When Tadej is there on a course like this, it’s almost inevitable that he’s going to win if he’s in good shape." Great Britain's team also felt their chances were significantly improved, with analysts pointing to Pogacar's crash injuries as a helpful factor for other squads.

McNulty Ends American Drought in Pogacar's Absence

The 273km race in Montreal on September 27 was ultimately won by Brandon McNulty of the United States. He attacked with about 32 kilometers remaining and held on to finish in 6 hours, 17 minutes, and 4 seconds. McNulty's victory ended a 33-year wait for an American men's road world champion, last achieved by Lance Armstrong in 1993. He inherits the rainbow jersey directly from Pogacar, the 2025 winner. The podium was completed by Australia's Michael Matthews in silver and Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands in bronze.

The Lasting Impact of the Vuelta Crash

Pogacar's current situation stems entirely from a high-speed crash on stage 8 of the Vuelta a España in August. He sustained fractures to his neck and collarbone, along with a concussion. The injuries were severe enough to end his season prematurely, ruling him out of not only the Vuelta but also the European Championships and the World Championships. His recovery timeline remains unclear, though his recent return to easy cycling is a first step.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS: Tadej Pogacar is recovering from fractures and a concussion sustained in an August Vuelta crash. He missed the European Championships in Slovenia and the World Championships in Montreal. American Brandon McNulty won the world title in Montreal on September 27, succeeding Pogacar. Pogacar's absence was seen as a major factor in opening up the race for other contenders.