In a surprising turn of events, Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation and three-time Tour de France champion, has withdrawn from the road race at the Paris Olympics. This announcement came late Monday, just a day after Pogačar achieved a remarkable milestone: he became the first rider in nearly 30 years to secure both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in the same season.
The Slovenian Olympic Team revealed that Pogačar's withdrawal was due to fatigue, a consequence of his grueling but triumphant season. Instead of Pogačar, his professional teammate Domen Novak will take his place in the Olympic road race scheduled for August 3. The decision to replace Pogačar with Novak, rather than Primož Roglič—the reigning Olympic time trial gold medalist—was influenced by Roglič's ongoing recovery from a crash that forced him out of the Tour. The Slovenian team stated, "Unfortunately, Tadej Pogačar will not be among [the riders in Paris]. He will be replaced by national team colleague Domen Novak. We wish Domen all the best and success."
Novak Steps Up: A New Challenge Awaits
Domen Novak will be joining Jan Tratnik, Matej Mohorič, and Luka Mezgec in representing Slovenia. As Pogačar takes a step back, Novak has the opportunity to shine on this prestigious stage. The Slovenian team's message to Novak was clear and supportive: “Once again, congratulations to the Tour de France winner for his third victory in the world's most prestigious cycling race. We hope he rests well and prepares for his next races.”
Pogačar’s Remarkable Season: A Triumph Like No Other
Tadej Pogačar’s decision to skip the Vuelta a España in August to recuperate before the World Championships in September was anticipated. The cycling world had high expectations for him to duel with Jonas Vingegaard, the two-time winner of the Tour de France, all the way to Nice. This year's Tour de France ended differently, with the race not finishing on the Champs-Élysées due to the Paris Games.
Pogačar’s dominance was evident from the outset. After clinching the leader's yellow jersey following a triumphant Stage 4 win to Valloire, he remained untouchable throughout the race. His performance in the time trial on the final day, where he secured his 17th career stage win, was particularly outstanding. Pogačar finished over six minutes ahead of Vingegaard and more than nine minutes ahead of third-place Remco Evenepoel, a strong contender for the Olympics.
Historic Achievements and Future Prospects
Pogačar's achievements this season have been nothing short of historic. His victory in both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same year marks a feat not seen since Marco Pantani’s double triumph in 1998. “To win both together is another level above,” Pogačar commented after his latest victory. “This is the first Grand Tour where I was totally confident every day. Even at the Giro I remember I had one bad day. This year, the Tour was just amazing.”
His happiness and sense of accomplishment were palpable. “I’m super happy,” he added, reflecting on his extraordinary achievements. “I cannot describe how happy I am after two hard years in the Tour de France.”
As Pogačar takes this time to recover and prepare for upcoming challenges, the cycling world eagerly awaits his next performance. The road race at the Paris Olympics will undoubtedly see some thrilling moments, even without Pogačar's presence. And with Novak stepping up, Slovenia’s cycling team remains a formidable force to be reckoned with.
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