"With Tadej Pogacar in Zürich, we are going there with one clear objective" - Matej Mohoric insists Slovenia don't have split loyalties World Championship road race

Of all the teams taking to the start line in Zürich for the men's elite road race at the 2024 World Championship next weekend, it's the Slovenians that arguably can boast the best lineup. Tadej Pogacar, Primoz Roglic, Matej Mohoric and more, but according to the latter, there is only one leader. 

"With Tadej Pogacar in Zürich, we are going there with one clear objective. I will do my best to do my part. I think Tadej deserves this," Mohoric confirms in conversation with Cycling News. "I think there might be a point in the future when he can do the same for another rider from the national team, so I think it's important that we stick together and try to win the World Championships, which has never happened before for Slovenia."

Aside from being compatriots and teammates in the national team, Mohoric and Pogacar also share a close bond away from the bike. "We train together a lot in Monaco. So I would say we are good friends," the current gravel world champion explains. "He's super extroverted, so he is actually the way he shows up on social media. He's super open, easy going, almost too relaxed at times. He just lives his best life. He enjoys every moment."

After crashing out of a recent recon for a gravel race in Girona, Mohoric's World Championship prospects looked slim initially. Thankfully though, the 29-year-old Bahrain - Victorious star has escaped any serious injury and is set to take to the start line in Zürich, ready to help his good friend and compatriot Tadej Pogacar to complete a piece of cycling history by taking the Rainbow Jersey. 

In cycling's long and storied history, just two riders have ever managed to take a fabled Triple Crown of Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and World Championship in the same year. Next Sunday in Zürich, we shall see if Pogacar can join the illustrious company of Eddy Merckx and Stephen Roche.