Phoenix 24
The champion wants to race again before his body has finished healing.
Monaco
Tadej Pogačar is resisting the idea that his 2026 season is already over. Less than a month after the serious crash that forced him out of the Vuelta a España, the Slovenian is exploring the possibility of returning at the European Championships in Ljubljana. His ambition contrasts sharply with the position of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, which has repeatedly stated that the priority is complete recovery rather than an accelerated comeback. The disagreement exposes the tension between an elite athlete’s competitive instinct and the medical caution surrounding a major injury.
Pogačar contacted surgeon Xavier Mir, who operated on his fractured left collarbone in Barcelona, seeking medical guidance about competing again. According to reporting surrounding the case, the specialist indicated that there was no absolute medical obstacle preventing him from racing if his recovery continued positively. That opinion, however, does not amount to a recommendation that he should return immediately. UAE remains reluctant to approve a comeback after only a few days of outdoor training.
The Slovenian resumed road training around Monaco 28 days after his crash, accompanied by professional cyclist Urška Žigart and Ireland’s Eddie Dunbar. His return to the bike followed an initial period of indoor training and rehabilitation. Images from those rides showed him first wearing the rainbow jersey and then the European champion’s jersey, a symbolic detail that immediately fueled speculation about his intentions.
The European Championships offer an especially powerful incentive. This year’s road race takes place in Ljubljana, giving Pogačar the possibility of competing in front of his home crowd on a demanding 198 kilometer course. Slovenia has already pre-registered him for the event, although that decision was made by the national federation rather than his UAE team. Primož Roglič currently leads the Slovenian selection.
A possible European Championship appearance may also hide a second objective. Pogačar has won Il Lombardia five consecutive times, and the 2026 edition on October 10 remains one of the races he would most naturally want to defend. Yet the Italian Monument is significantly harder than the European Championship, with 239 kilometers and approximately 4,600 meters of climbing. Returning too soon in Ljubljana could therefore influence whether another ambitious comeback attempt follows days later.
UAE sees little reason to take that risk. Pogačar has already won Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour de Romandie, the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de France this season. From the team’s perspective, nothing remaining on the calendar justifies compromising a recovery from fractures and concussion.
Pogačar’s determination is unmistakable. The unresolved question is whether competitive hunger should be allowed to outrun physical recovery.
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