“Primoz is in form like he’s not been for a long time” – Slovenian coach backs Roglič to fill Tadej Pogačar-sized void in World Championship bid

“Primoz is in form like he’s not been for a long time” – Slovenian coach backs Roglič to fill Tadej Pogačar-sized void in World Championship bid

 

Primož Roglič has been handed the responsibility of leading Slovenia at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships after Tadej Pogačar was ruled out of the event, with national coach Uroš Murn confident that the experienced rider can take advantage of his current form.

Pogačar’s absence represents a major change for Slovenia. The reigning world champion had been expected to defend his rainbow jersey in Montréal, but his season was brought to an early end following his crash at the Vuelta a España. Slovenia must now build its strategy around Roglič, who has emerged as one of the country’s strongest options for the elite men’s road race.

Murn believes Roglič could arrive at the World Championships in a condition rarely seen during his long career.

“Primoz is in form like he’s not been for a long time,” Murn said, highlighting the 36-year-old’s performances during the Vuelta. The coach believes Roglič himself has recognised the level he has reached and will know how to use it when the biggest opportunity of the season arrives.

The change in leadership also allows Slovenia to approach the World Championships differently. With Pogačar on the start line, the team would have been expected to take responsibility for controlling the race and responding to attacks from rival nations.

Without their biggest star, Murn believes Slovenia can be more aggressive and less predictable.

The coach explained that the team can now allow Belgium, France and other leading nations to shoulder more of the responsibility. Instead of controlling the race from the front throughout the day, Slovenia can protect Roglič and look for opportunities to attack when the situation develops.

That could be particularly important on the Montréal course, which combines a long distance with substantial climbing. The elite men’s road race is scheduled to cover 273.7 kilometres and includes around 3,803 metres of elevation gain, with repeated climbs around Mount Royal helping to shape the decisive stages of the race.

Roglič’s biggest challenge will be converting his strong form into a World Championship medal. Despite an extraordinary career that includes major Grand Tour success, he has never won a medal in the elite men’s World Championship road race. His best result remains sixth place at Imola in 2020.

The Slovenian team will not rely on Roglič alone. Jan Tratnik, Luka Mezgec, Matej Mohorič, Gal Glivar, Matevž Govekar and Tilen Finkst are also included in the road race squad, while Jakob Omrzel could join the selection if he receives permission from his team.

Murn also expects the absence of Pogačar to increase the pressure on other favourites. He has identified Remco Evenepoel as a major contender, while noting that Belgium also has Wout van Aert, creating an intriguing leadership situation within one of the strongest teams in the race.

For Roglič, the opportunity is clear. He will arrive in Montréal not as a supporting figure behind Pogačar, but as Slovenia’s principal hope for the rainbow jersey. With his coach describing him as being in exceptional form, the veteran now has the chance to turn that confidence into the first World Championship road-race medal of his career.