Tadej Pogacar Admits Poor Form, Absence Opens Door for New World Champion

Tadej Pogacar has confirmed his current physical condition is far from competitive, forcing him to miss major events and reshaping the landscape of elite men's road cycling. The Slovenian superstar, still recovering from a serious crash in August's Vuelta a España, watched from the sidelines as a new world champion was crowned in his absence.

Pogacar Confirms He Is Not Race-Ready

Speaking publicly for the first time since his Vuelta crash, Pogacar was blunt about his fitness. "I've been cycling for a week now, and I know my form is pretty poor," he said after attending the European Championships in Slovenia on September 22. He admitted that watching the races, especially with his partner Urška Žigart who was also injured, was difficult. "We thought, 'Darn it, I should be there,'" Pogacar revealed, but he ultimately decided he was not ready to compete. His injuries, which included fractures to his neck and collarbone plus a concussion, have sidelined him during a period that typically includes the season's biggest one-day races.

World Championship Field Altered by His Absence

Pogacar's withdrawal from the UCI Road World Championships in Montreal on September 27 created a major opportunity for the peloton. Riders and analysts immediately identified his absence as a big change for the event. Irish contender Ben Healy, who finished third behind Pogacar in 2025, stated the race was now wide open. "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," Healy said. "The fact that he's not there is pretty exciting for a lot of people." The British team also saw their chances improve, with commentators noting the field was more open without the dominant Slovenian.

Brandon McNulty Claims Historic Rainbow Jersey

The reshuffled hierarchy culminated in a historic victory for American Brandon McNulty. After nearly 170 miles of racing in Montreal, McNulty attacked to become the first U.S. men's road world champion since Lance Armstrong in 1993. His win showed how Pogacar's void allowed for a different narrative to unfold. While Remco Evenepoel triumphed at the European Championships in Slovenia, the biggest prize of the autumn went to McNulty in a race where the favourite was conspicuously absent.

Tribute to a Teammate and Looking Ahead

Pogacar's presence at the European Championships was not solely as a spectator. He was also there to honour the final race of Slovenian veteran Luka Mezgec. Pogacar called Mezgec "a very important part of my career," recalling watching his teammate's biggest victory as a teenager. This moment of reflection contrasts with the uncertainty surrounding Pogacar's own immediate racing future. With the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia, scheduled for October 5, his participation remains a major question mark. Fans looking for his return to competition should monitor our [fixtures](/fixtures) page for updates.

• Pogacar is recovering from fractures to his neck and collarbone and a concussion sustained in the Vuelta a España on August 8.
• His absence directly influenced the outcome of the World Championships, won by Brandon McNulty on September 27.
• Pogacar paid tribute to retiring Slovenian teammate Luka Mezgec at the European Championships on September 22.
• His next potential race is Il Lombardia on October 5, but his fitness remains in doubt.