"The best thing for me right now is to take a break" - Tadej Pogacar remains out of competition but still considers Glasgow World Championships

Tadej Pogacar has had a season that since February has not yet had a proper psychological break. Victories in his early races, Paris-Nice, MIlano-Sanremo, the cobbled and Ardennes classics, then his recovery and preparation for the Tour de France - and the brutal Tour itself... The Slovenian may still race the World Championships but prioritizes rest for the time being.

“After the Tour, we decided that the best thing for me right now is to take a break. That is why I will not be able to be at the start of the European Climbing Time Trial Championships," he told Wielerflits. "After the break, I will see further. Rest is the most important thing right now.”

Pogacar felt the effect of the built up fatigue at the Col de la Loze, where he's had an implosion in a way that is rarely seen. Although he bounced back to win stage 20, it was clear that he had reached his limit, and ahead of possible big goals late in the year such as the Vuelta a Espana or most likely Il Lombardia, he has opted to skip the post-Tour criteriums and the upcoming European Climbing Championships.

He was set to take part in the new event which will take place at the Passo San Gottardo this weekend, but he will still be cheering on Felix Grossschartner who will represent UAE Team Emirates: “I want to wish him the best of luck. After his performance in the Tour, I think he is the big favourite. I will cheer for him.”