{"id":2180457,"date":"2026-10-04T19:42:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-04T16:42:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2180457"},"modified":"2026-10-04T19:42:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T16:42:09","slug":"i-know-my-shape-is-kind-of-really-bad-tadej-pogacar-comes-to-terms-with-missing-european-championships-in-slovenia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2180457","title":{"rendered":"\u2018I know my shape is kind of really bad\u2019- Tadej Poga\u010dar comes to terms with missing European Championships in Slovenia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I&#8217;m getting better each day after the crash&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar provides injury update at 2031 World Championships presentation\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar and Ur\u0161ka \u017digart arrive home in Slovenia ahead of European Championships, despite injuries ruling them out of the racing\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Now it&#8217;s official \u2013 no Tadej Poga\u010dar at European Championships\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>\u2018I know my shape is kind of really bad\u2019- Tadej Poga\u010dar comes to terms with missing European Championships in Slovenia<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLyne Lamoureux <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-04T19:42:09Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Fans cheer on superstar also on hand to celebrate compatriot and mentor Luka Mezgec\u2019s retirement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Slovenian superstar Tadej Poga\u010dar waves to the fans on the side of the road at 2026 UEC European Road Championships<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Honouring Luka Mezgec<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" 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class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-b076a720-c02b-11f1-abe9-2374e7bc090d\">The question of whether Tadej Poga\u010dar would race the UEC European Championships was finally answered on Wednesday, when the Slovenian National Federation announced its line-up without the superstar.<\/p>\n<p>But, of course, Poga\u010dar still returned home to soak up the cheers. Riding in the race director\u2019s car, he waved to fans lining the road on the Mo\u017ejanca climb and gathered at the finish in \u0160en\u010dur.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b076a720-c02b-11f1-abe9-2374e7bc090d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider said he had no regrets about sitting out the race, but admitted he felt differently two weeks earlier, just weeks after crashing out of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI&#8217;m here riding my bike for one week now outside [since the crash], and I know my shape is kind of really bad, and I don&#8217;t wish to be riding out today,\u201d he told <em>Eurosport<\/em> with a chuckle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cA week or two ago, though, I was really eager to be on the start today.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Ur\u0161ka \u017digart arrive home in Slovenia ahead of European Championships, despite injuries ruling them out of the racing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Now it&#8217;s official \u2013 no Tadej Poga\u010dar at European Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">To start or not to start &#8211; or never even happening?  Uncertainty reigns over Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rumoured last-minute comeback at home European Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But it was a tougher call for his fianc\u00e9e, Ur\u0161ka \u017digart, who refractured her jaw in a crash at Faun Tour Femmes in September. The AG Insurance-Soudal rider was also forced to miss Saturday\u2019s women\u2019s race on home soil.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cEven yesterday, when we were watching a women&#8217;s race, Ur\u0161ka was like, \u2018ah, damn, I should be there\u2019, and she&#8217;s been feeling super good,\u201d Poga\u010dar said. \u201cWhen you have good shape. It&#8217;s tough to look at the race and know that you could be part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-wzEUsfrHHK4deYovkQDpQZ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-wzEUsfrHHK4deYovkQDpQZ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b076aa72-c02b-11f1-9fdc-158733725f5a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Luka Mezgec was honoured by the peloton on his last day as a professional cyclist before the 2026 UEC Road Cycling European Championships <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-honouring-luka-mezgec\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Honouring Luka Mezgec<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b076ac34-c02b-11f1-b243-df33e6502140\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another reason for Poga\u010dar and \u017digart\u2019s presence at the race was to celebrate the retirement of Slovenian veteran racer Luka Mezgec, someone that Poga\u010dar has looked up for over a decade.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cLuka has been a big part of my career,\u201d said Poga\u010dar who was present at Mezgec biggest win of his career, when he was around 15 years old at the 2014 Giro d\u2019Italia in Trieste.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cSince then, he was kind of my idol and mentor in the national team, and I learned a lot from him. And he had a really amazing career. I think a lot of young kids, young cyclists, should aim more to have a career like him as a lead-out man and a helper and a road captain in the team,&#8221; he added. &#8220;So to be here today with him is really nice and I&#8217;m honoured to be sitting next to him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mezgec went out in style, going into the early break and then high-fiving the crowd once he was caught before calling it a day.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b076acac-c02b-11f1-8db8-9da3db43de8d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-wzEUsfrHHK4deYovkQDpQZ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-wzEUsfrHHK4deYovkQDpQZ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qa8hVE52n9dS8sPuVzkZQb-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Lyne Lamoureux<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Lyne has been involved in professional cycling for more than 15 years in both news reporting and sports marketing. She founded Podium Insight in 2008, quickly becoming a trusted source for news of the North American professional cycling world. She was the first to successfully use social media to consistently provide timely and live race updates for all fans. She is proud to have covered men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s news equally during her tenure at the helm of the site. Her writing has appeared on Cyclingnews and other news sites.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Ur\u0161ka \u017digart arrive home in Slovenia ahead of European Championships, despite injuries ruling them out of the racing<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Now it&#8217;s official \u2013 no Tadej Poga\u010dar at European Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">To start or not to start &#8211; or never even happening?  Uncertainty reigns over Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rumoured last-minute comeback at home European Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;No plans&#8217; for Tadej Poga\u010dar to race again in 2026, say UAE Team Emirates-XRG amid European Championships confusion<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m getting better each day after the crash&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar provides injury update at 2031 World Championships presentation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It won&#8217;t happen&#8217; &#8211;  UAE Team Emirates-XRG management insist that Tadej Poga\u010dar is not racing the European Championships this autumn<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Perhaps it will wear off and I will go back to suffering&#8217; \u2013 World Champion Brandon McNulty still riding high as he makes impressive start to rainbow jersey reign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJZvZwJi8BqK42pvPgDnoX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJZvZwJi8BqK42pvPgDnoX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJZvZwJi8BqK42pvPgDnoX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJZvZwJi8BqK42pvPgDnoX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJZvZwJi8BqK42pvPgDnoX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike promote former rider Nathan Van Hooydonck to new leading sporting director role<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLSMKZgTcGuuDRd7RJNRwV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLSMKZgTcGuuDRd7RJNRwV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLSMKZgTcGuuDRd7RJNRwV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLSMKZgTcGuuDRd7RJNRwV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLSMKZgTcGuuDRd7RJNRwV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The last jersey I still wanted and needed&#8217; \u2013 Champion of championships Remco Evenepoel completes the set with eighth elite title out of eight<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YDzJVqAdxkGyexVxVxW7CE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YDzJVqAdxkGyexVxVxW7CE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YDzJVqAdxkGyexVxVxW7CE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YDzJVqAdxkGyexVxVxW7CE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YDzJVqAdxkGyexVxVxW7CE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;In terms of potential he has everything, absolutely everything&#8217; \u2013 From late call-up to first race with pro team, Matthew Peace looks right at home<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5tDcpWgdsQzdA7smTewyg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5tDcpWgdsQzdA7smTewyg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5tDcpWgdsQzdA7smTewyg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5tDcpWgdsQzdA7smTewyg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5tDcpWgdsQzdA7smTewyg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018In one moment I was really believing it\u2019 &#8211; disappointed Giulio Ciccone reflects on agonising second place at European Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvNLsFN6D9ZhVerKWyqerW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvNLsFN6D9ZhVerKWyqerW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvNLsFN6D9ZhVerKWyqerW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvNLsFN6D9ZhVerKWyqerW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvNLsFN6D9ZhVerKWyqerW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel to skip the European Championships time trial to concentrate on next Sunday&#8217;s Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wLDo8C4Qm4rbDve3CURLAP-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wLDo8C4Qm4rbDve3CURLAP-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wLDo8C4Qm4rbDve3CURLAP-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wLDo8C4Qm4rbDve3CURLAP-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wLDo8C4Qm4rbDve3CURLAP-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lidl-Trek and Gaia Realini agree to end contract a year early<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b7v72iMHhqM3jidhC5TqsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b7v72iMHhqM3jidhC5TqsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b7v72iMHhqM3jidhC5TqsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b7v72iMHhqM3jidhC5TqsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b7v72iMHhqM3jidhC5TqsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">These Rock Bros aero socks beat big-name competition and are now just $14.99<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VhauCtuE4NbH44neYj8Lfh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VhauCtuE4NbH44neYj8Lfh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VhauCtuE4NbH44neYj8Lfh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VhauCtuE4NbH44neYj8Lfh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VhauCtuE4NbH44neYj8Lfh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve looked at the images hundreds of times&#8217; \u2013 Giulio Ciccone pleads for transparency as he questions controversial photo finish loss to Evenepoel at European Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Perhaps it will wear off and I will go back to suffering&#8217; \u2013 World Champion Brandon McNulty still riding high as he makes impressive start to rainbow jersey reign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Apple AirPods Pro 3 have a whopping $70 off in this early Amazon Prime Day deal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xdjdickjmx8MGzRWPJBbnc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xdjdickjmx8MGzRWPJBbnc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xdjdickjmx8MGzRWPJBbnc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xdjdickjmx8MGzRWPJBbnc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xdjdickjmx8MGzRWPJBbnc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u00c1ngel Arroyo, &#8216;a legend of Spanish cycling&#8217;, dies aged 70<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Apple AirPods Pro 3 have a whopping $70 off in this early Amazon Prime Day deal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Noa Isidore sprints to Coppa Bernocchi victory to claim another Italian win for Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I&#8217;ve looked at the images hundreds of times&#8217; \u2013 Giulio Ciccone pleads for transparency as he questions controversial photo finish loss to Evenepoel at European Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;In terms of potential he has everything, absolutely everything&#8217; \u2013 From late call-up to first race with pro team, Matthew Peace looks right at home<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>\u00c1ngel Arroyo, &#8216;a legend of Spanish cycling&#8217;, dies aged 70<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>\u2018I know my shape is kind of really bad\u2019- Tadej Poga\u010dar comes to terms with missing European Championships in Slovenia<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLyne Lamoureux <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-04T19:42:09Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Fans cheer on superstar also on hand to celebrate compatriot and mentor Luka Mezgec\u2019s retirement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Slovenian superstar Tadej Poga\u010dar waves to the fans on the side of the road at 2026 UEC European Road Championships<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" 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class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-b076a720-c02b-11f1-abe9-2374e7bc090d\">The question of whether Tadej Poga\u010dar would race the UEC European Championships was finally answered on Wednesday, when the Slovenian National Federation announced its line-up without the superstar.<\/p>\n<p>But, of course, Poga\u010dar still returned home to soak up the cheers. Riding in the race director\u2019s car, he waved to fans lining the road on the Mo\u017ejanca climb and gathered at the finish in \u0160en\u010dur.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b076a720-c02b-11f1-abe9-2374e7bc090d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider said he had no regrets about sitting out the race, but admitted he felt differently two weeks earlier, just weeks after crashing out of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI&#8217;m here riding my bike for one week now outside [since the crash], and I know my shape is kind of really bad, and I don&#8217;t wish to be riding out today,\u201d he told <em>Eurosport<\/em> with a chuckle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cA week or two ago, though, I was really eager to be on the start today.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Ur\u0161ka \u017digart arrive home in Slovenia ahead of European Championships, despite injuries ruling them out of the racing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Now it&#8217;s official \u2013 no Tadej Poga\u010dar at European Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">To start or not to start &#8211; or never even happening?  Uncertainty reigns over Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rumoured last-minute comeback at home European Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But it was a tougher call for his fianc\u00e9e, Ur\u0161ka \u017digart, who refractured her jaw in a crash at Faun Tour Femmes in September. The AG Insurance-Soudal rider was also forced to miss Saturday\u2019s women\u2019s race on home soil.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cEven yesterday, when we were watching a women&#8217;s race, Ur\u0161ka was like, \u2018ah, damn, I should be there\u2019, and she&#8217;s been feeling super good,\u201d Poga\u010dar said. \u201cWhen you have good shape. It&#8217;s tough to look at the race and know that you could be part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-wzEUsfrHHK4deYovkQDpQZ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-wzEUsfrHHK4deYovkQDpQZ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b076aa72-c02b-11f1-9fdc-158733725f5a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Luka Mezgec was honoured by the peloton on his last day as a professional cyclist before the 2026 UEC Road Cycling European Championships <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-honouring-luka-mezgec\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Honouring Luka Mezgec<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b076ac34-c02b-11f1-b243-df33e6502140\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another reason for Poga\u010dar and \u017digart\u2019s presence at the race was to celebrate the retirement of Slovenian veteran racer Luka Mezgec, someone that Poga\u010dar has looked up for over a decade.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cLuka has been a big part of my career,\u201d said Poga\u010dar who was present at Mezgec biggest win of his career, when he was around 15 years old at the 2014 Giro d\u2019Italia in Trieste.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cSince then, he was kind of my idol and mentor in the national team, and I learned a lot from him. And he had a really amazing career. I think a lot of young kids, young cyclists, should aim more to have a career like him as a lead-out man and a helper and a road captain in the team,&#8221; he added. &#8220;So to be here today with him is really nice and I&#8217;m honoured to be sitting next to him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mezgec went out in style, going into the early break and then high-fiving the crowd once he was caught before calling it a day.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b076acac-c02b-11f1-8db8-9da3db43de8d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-wzEUsfrHHK4deYovkQDpQZ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-wzEUsfrHHK4deYovkQDpQZ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qa8hVE52n9dS8sPuVzkZQb-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Lyne Lamoureux<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Lyne has been involved in professional cycling for more than 15 years in both news reporting and sports marketing. She founded Podium Insight in 2008, quickly becoming a trusted source for news of the North American professional cycling world. She was the first to successfully use social media to consistently provide timely and live race updates for all fans. She is proud to have covered men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s news equally during her tenure at the helm of the site. Her writing has appeared on Cyclingnews and other news sites.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Ur\u0161ka \u017digart arrive home in Slovenia ahead of European Championships, despite injuries ruling them out of the racing<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Now it&#8217;s official \u2013 no Tadej Poga\u010dar at European Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">To start or not to start &#8211; or never even happening?  Uncertainty reigns over Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rumoured last-minute comeback at home European Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UxyzDgXKoS6EVqYz6zx3qS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;No plans&#8217; for Tadej Poga\u010dar to race again in 2026, say UAE Team Emirates-XRG amid European Championships confusion<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko3ErXkPMfF4oHGgLCTsBf-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m getting better each day after the crash&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar provides injury update at 2031 World Championships presentation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fpgE3wX3NuSf2WSi9Htz4A-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It won&#8217;t happen&#8217; &#8211;  UAE Team Emirates-XRG management insist that Tadej Poga\u010dar is not racing the European Championships this autumn<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Perhaps it will wear off and I will go back to suffering&#8217; \u2013 World Champion Brandon McNulty still riding high as he makes impressive start to rainbow jersey reign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJZvZwJi8BqK42pvPgDnoX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJZvZwJi8BqK42pvPgDnoX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJZvZwJi8BqK42pvPgDnoX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJZvZwJi8BqK42pvPgDnoX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NJZvZwJi8BqK42pvPgDnoX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Visma-Lease a Bike promote former rider Nathan Van Hooydonck to new leading sporting director role<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLSMKZgTcGuuDRd7RJNRwV-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLSMKZgTcGuuDRd7RJNRwV-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLSMKZgTcGuuDRd7RJNRwV-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLSMKZgTcGuuDRd7RJNRwV-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yLSMKZgTcGuuDRd7RJNRwV-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The last jersey I still wanted and needed&#8217; \u2013 Champion of championships Remco Evenepoel completes the set with eighth elite title out of eight<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YDzJVqAdxkGyexVxVxW7CE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YDzJVqAdxkGyexVxVxW7CE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YDzJVqAdxkGyexVxVxW7CE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YDzJVqAdxkGyexVxVxW7CE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YDzJVqAdxkGyexVxVxW7CE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;In terms of potential he has everything, absolutely everything&#8217; \u2013 From late call-up to first race with pro team, Matthew Peace looks right at home<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5tDcpWgdsQzdA7smTewyg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5tDcpWgdsQzdA7smTewyg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5tDcpWgdsQzdA7smTewyg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5tDcpWgdsQzdA7smTewyg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K5tDcpWgdsQzdA7smTewyg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018In one moment I was really believing it\u2019 &#8211; disappointed Giulio Ciccone reflects on agonising second place at European Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvNLsFN6D9ZhVerKWyqerW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvNLsFN6D9ZhVerKWyqerW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvNLsFN6D9ZhVerKWyqerW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvNLsFN6D9ZhVerKWyqerW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VvNLsFN6D9ZhVerKWyqerW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel to skip the European Championships time trial to concentrate on next Sunday&#8217;s Il Lombardia<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wLDo8C4Qm4rbDve3CURLAP-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wLDo8C4Qm4rbDve3CURLAP-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wLDo8C4Qm4rbDve3CURLAP-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wLDo8C4Qm4rbDve3CURLAP-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wLDo8C4Qm4rbDve3CURLAP-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lidl-Trek and Gaia Realini agree to end contract a year early<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b7v72iMHhqM3jidhC5TqsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b7v72iMHhqM3jidhC5TqsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b7v72iMHhqM3jidhC5TqsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b7v72iMHhqM3jidhC5TqsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b7v72iMHhqM3jidhC5TqsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">These Rock Bros aero socks beat big-name competition and are now just $14.99<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VhauCtuE4NbH44neYj8Lfh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VhauCtuE4NbH44neYj8Lfh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VhauCtuE4NbH44neYj8Lfh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VhauCtuE4NbH44neYj8Lfh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VhauCtuE4NbH44neYj8Lfh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;ve looked at the images hundreds of times&#8217; \u2013 Giulio Ciccone pleads for transparency as he questions controversial photo finish loss to Evenepoel at European Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hM6eqBnG4UJXcLPbpjxDfV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Perhaps it will wear off and I will go back to suffering&#8217; \u2013 World Champion Brandon McNulty still riding high as he makes impressive start to rainbow jersey reign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Apple AirPods Pro 3 have a whopping $70 off in this early Amazon Prime Day deal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xdjdickjmx8MGzRWPJBbnc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xdjdickjmx8MGzRWPJBbnc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xdjdickjmx8MGzRWPJBbnc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xdjdickjmx8MGzRWPJBbnc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Xdjdickjmx8MGzRWPJBbnc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u00c1ngel Arroyo, &#8216;a legend of Spanish cycling&#8217;, dies aged 70<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wmfLJLfD58XXPiRfo25kcA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Apple AirPods Pro 3 have a whopping $70 off in this early Amazon Prime Day deal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Noa Isidore sprints to Coppa Bernocchi victory to claim another Italian win for Decathlon CMA CGM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I&#8217;ve looked at the images hundreds of times&#8217; \u2013 Giulio Ciccone pleads for transparency as he questions controversial photo finish loss to Evenepoel at European Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;In terms of potential he has everything, absolutely everything&#8217; \u2013 From late call-up to first race with pro team, Matthew Peace looks right at home<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>\u00c1ngel Arroyo, &#8216;a legend of Spanish cycling&#8217;, dies aged 70<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTadej Pogacar\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>\u2018I know my shape is kind of really bad\u2019- Tadej Poga\u010dar comes to terms with missing European Championships in Slovenia<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLyne Lamoureux <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-10-04T19:42:09Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n4 October 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Fans cheer on superstar also on hand to celebrate compatriot and mentor Luka Mezgec\u2019s retirement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-b076a720-c02b-11f1-abe9-2374e7bc090d\">The question of whether Tadej Poga\u010dar would race the UEC European Championships was finally answered on Wednesday, when the Slovenian National Federation announced its line-up without the superstar.<\/p>\n<p>But, of course, Poga\u010dar still returned home to soak up the cheers. Riding in the race director\u2019s car, he waved to fans lining the road on the Mo\u017ejanca climb and gathered at the finish in \u0160en\u010dur.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b076a720-c02b-11f1-abe9-2374e7bc090d-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider said he had no regrets about sitting out the race, but admitted he felt differently two weeks earlier, just weeks after crashing out of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI&#8217;m here riding my bike for one week now outside [since the crash], and I know my shape is kind of really bad, and I don&#8217;t wish to be riding out today,\u201d he told <em>Eurosport<\/em> with a chuckle.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cA week or two ago, though, I was really eager to be on the start today.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PEA5wWwrBoVG9bXmgAAedN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar and Ur\u0161ka \u017digart arrive home in Slovenia ahead of European Championships, despite injuries ruling them out of the racing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUr3MzTc72GCAmG6TtE2qY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Now it&#8217;s official \u2013 no Tadej Poga\u010dar at European Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DNRAeegTiQBca9T3wSS4zj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">To start or not to start &#8211; or never even happening?  Uncertainty reigns over Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s rumoured last-minute comeback at home European Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But it was a tougher call for his fianc\u00e9e, Ur\u0161ka \u017digart, who refractured her jaw in a crash at Faun Tour Femmes in September. The AG Insurance-Soudal rider was also forced to miss Saturday\u2019s women\u2019s race on home soil.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cEven yesterday, when we were watching a women&#8217;s race, Ur\u0161ka was like, \u2018ah, damn, I should be there\u2019, and she&#8217;s been feeling super good,\u201d Poga\u010dar said. \u201cWhen you have good shape. It&#8217;s tough to look at the race and know that you could be part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-wzEUsfrHHK4deYovkQDpQZ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-wzEUsfrHHK4deYovkQDpQZ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b076aa72-c02b-11f1-9fdc-158733725f5a\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yHoYjmquqnY3D9RHotWSyA-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Luka Mezgec was honoured by the peloton on his last day as a professional cyclist before the 2026 UEC Road Cycling European Championships <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-honouring-luka-mezgec\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Honouring Luka Mezgec<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-b076ac34-c02b-11f1-b243-df33e6502140\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another reason for Poga\u010dar and \u017digart\u2019s presence at the race was to celebrate the retirement of Slovenian veteran racer Luka Mezgec, someone that Poga\u010dar has looked up for over a decade.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cLuka has been a big part of my career,\u201d said Poga\u010dar who was present at Mezgec biggest win of his career, when he was around 15 years old at the 2014 Giro d\u2019Italia in Trieste.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cSince then, he was kind of my idol and mentor in the national team, and I learned a lot from him. And he had a really amazing career. I think a lot of young kids, young cyclists, should aim more to have a career like him as a lead-out man and a helper and a road captain in the team,&#8221; he added. &#8220;So to be here today with him is really nice and I&#8217;m honoured to be sitting next to him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Mezgec went out in style, going into the early break and then high-fiving the crowd once he was caught before calling it a day.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b076acac-c02b-11f1-8db8-9da3db43de8d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-know-my-shape-is-kind-of-really-bad-tadej-pogacar-comes-to-terms-with-missing-european-championships-in-slovenia\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wVuirLgQdiMCtbXGZH3ryA-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;I&#8217;m getting better each day after the crash&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar provides injury update at 2031 World Championships presentation 2 Tadej Poga\u010dar and Ur\u0161ka \u017digart arrive home in Slovenia ahead of European Championships, despite injuries ruling them out of the racing 3 Now it&#8217;s official \u2013 no Tadej Poga\u010dar at European [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2180457","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2180457","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2180457"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2180457\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2180457"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2180457"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2180457"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}