“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.