There he is again?!: Tadej Pogačar has surprisingly appeared on the European Championships start list

​Will Tadej Pogačar make a comeback this season after all? The Slovenian superstar’s name has made a surprise appearance on the provisional start list for the European Road Championships in early October. Yet his team had, after Pogačar’s injury-enforced withdrawal from the Vuelta a España actually announced that the world champion would not be competing in any more races this year.

Since his withdrawal from the Vuelta a España, things had been relatively quiet around Pogačar. The only news recently was that the Slovenian was back on his bike and had at least started training on the rollers. This makes his appearance on the European Championships start list all the more surprising.

A home race for Tadej Pogačar

However, it does not seem entirely out of the question that he might compete. This year’s European Championships are being held in Slovenia, and thus in front of a home crowd. Under normal circumstances, Pogačar would be reluctant to miss such a race. Whether the nomination will actually lead to him competing, however, remains to be seen. There have been no official statements regarding a possible return so far.

However, even the prospect of Pogačar taking part could have a decisive impact on the race. For many nations and favourites, it makes a significant difference whether the rider who is arguably the most complete in the peloton at the moment is on the start line or not. With Tadej Pogačar in the race, attacks would be expected much earlier and the entire race could take on a much more attacking character.

Form is a question mark

The emphasis, however, is on ‘could’. Following his injury-enforced end to the season, questions inevitably arise about Pogačar’s form. Even if the Slovenian does indeed take part, it is unclear what level of performance he is capable of. Nevertheless, his name alone is likely to ensure that his rivals follow the European Championships races over the coming days with particular attention.