Tadej Pogačar omitted from Slovenia roster for European Championships as Primož Roglič leads team

European Championship roster confirmed

The Slovenian cycling federation published its final roster on Wednesday afternoon for the European Road Championships, scheduled in Ljubljana from 2 to 7 October. World number one Tadej Pogačar was not included in the selection, concluding days of speculation regarding his potential participation in the home event. The five-time Tour de France winner had appeared on preliminary entry lists, which led fans and media to anticipate a possible return. Speculation grew earlier in the week after Pogačar shared photographs on social media showing him training on the road while wearing the European champion jersey he won last year. Reports in Catalan daily newspaper El Periódico had also indicated that the Slovenian rider consulted his surgeon to seek medical clearance to compete on home roads.

Injury recovery and team stance

The decision to leave Pogačar off the roster adheres to the rehabilitation schedule established following his crash on 29 August during stage 8 of the Vuelta a España. Pogačar was leading the general classification when he fell, suffering a fracture of the left collarbone, a fractured vertebra, a concussion, and multiple wounds. In early September, he announced the premature conclusion of his 2026 racing campaign and subsequently missed the World Championships. Although the rider returned to road training one month after the accident, UAE Team Emirates management firmly dismissed the possibility of a competitive return in Ljubljana. Team manager Mauro Gianetti clarified the team's position on Tuesday in comments published by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

It is too early. His health is the priority, so that will not happen.

Under the team's medical plan, Pogačar will refrain from pinning on a race number for the rest of the year and will target the 2027 season for his return to competition.

Roglič leads Slovenian squad

With Pogačar sidelined, Slovenia will be led by four-time Vuelta a España winner Primož Roglič. Roglič enters the European Championships following a notable performance in the road race at the World Championships in Montreal on Sunday. The Slovenian federation assembled a balanced roster around him, combining experienced competitors with developing prospects. The national team lineup includes Jan Tratnik, Matej Mohorič, Luka Mezgec, Domen Novak, and young rider Jakob Omrzel.

French team selections and absences

Other competing nations also confirmed their final squads for the continental championships in Slovenia. The French cycling federation named a team featuring Kévin Vauquelin, Romain Grégoire, and Léo Bisiaux. French rider Paul Seixas was left off the roster for the event. National team selector Thomas Voeckler explained his strategic selection choices and the team's approach to the Slovenian course.

Paul's calendar not including the European Championship, it seemed logical to me, given the course and the opposition, to compose a team where several riders could seize their chance.