"I know my form is very poor" - Tadej Pogacar disappointed but accepting of home European Championships absence
Cycling
Tadej Pogacar had to watch the 2026 European Championships from the sidelines in Slovenia. The Slovenian was unable to defend the title he won in 2025 after his crash at the Vuelta a España, which also forced him to miss the Worlds. In his absence, Remco Evenepoel pulled on the European champion’s jersey after a dramatic finish against Giulio Ciccone.
Pogacar attended as a spectator and spoke about the odd feeling of watching from the outside a race he would have targeted only a few weeks earlier. He admitted his situation is very different from before the crash and that, although he is back on the bike, he is not yet ready to race.
Watching the European Championships from the barriers was especially tough given how he felt before the injury. The Slovenian explained that everything changes when you know you were physically capable of fighting for the win.
“No doubt; in fact, just yesterday, while we were watching the women’s race, Urška Žigart said, ‘Wow, I should be out there,’” Pogacar recalled, referencing his partner’s words as they watched together.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider stressed that the strong form he carried into the crash made his absence even harder to accept. “Above all because you feel in great shape. When you’re flying, it’s tough to watch the race and know you could be part of it.”
The contrast with his current state is clear. Pogacar said he has been back riding over the past week, but he is still far from the level required for an event of this intensity.
“I’m here today, even though I’ve only been out riding for a week. I know my form is very poor and I don’t want to be racing today,” the Slovenian admitted.
Tadej Pogacar enjoyed a different day at the European Championships
Pogacar did want to be on the start line
Pogacar also reflected on how quickly things have changed. Before the injury, the Slovenian champion had every reason to approach the Europeans aiming to defend the title he took a year ago. Now, however, he knows he is not yet ready to return to competition.
“One or two weeks ago, by contrast, I would have really wanted to be on the start line today,” he said.
Pogacar’s absence left the European Championships without the rider who had claimed the jersey in 2025. He could not defend his title and had to settle for following the race from the roadside in his home country.
The win ultimately went to Remco Evenepoel, who succeeded Pogacar as European champion after a nail-biting finish against Giulio Ciccone. The Belgian had to wait for the photo finish to confirm his victory.
For Pogacar, meanwhile, the Europeans underlined what it means to go from peak form and ready to fight for major titles to watching races from the outside.
Although his trip to Slovenia was also driven by the desire to support Luca Mezgec in his final race, Pogacar made it clear that the hardest part was not being able to compete in an event he had felt ready for until very recently.
Jorge BorregueroWriter
Jorge Borreguero is a journalist with a degree from the Complutense University of Madrid and has been a writer for Cyclinguptodate and Ciclismoaldia since early 2023. In this role, he has played a key part in the evolution of the website, particularly as a specialist covering Movistar Team. He regularly writes race reports, analytical pieces, and in-depth features about the team, and has conducted exclusive interviews and attended multiple team presentations, providing readers with firsthand insights into one of the leading professional cycling squads.
Throughout his career, Jorge has maintained a strong focus on sports journalism, gaining experience across a variety of disciplines, including basketball and football. However, his current work is almost entirely dedicated to cycling, contributing extensively to Ciclismoaldia and its sister website Cyclinguptodate. For these platforms, he combines thorough research with detailed reporting to deliver high-quality content, ranging from race previews and results to expert analysis of teams and riders.
Jorge’s reporting is marked by accuracy, depth, and a commitment to providing readers with reliable and authoritative information. His direct engagement with teams, athletes, and events ensures that his coverage reflects firsthand knowledge and professional insight. Through his work, he has established himself as a trusted voice in professional cycling journalism, bridging the gap between the sport and its global audience while maintaining rigorous editorial standards.
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Davide11-11-2026 - some of lidl-treks retention and recruiting has been puzzling in the mens and womens teams.Davide11-11-2026
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