Tadej Pogačar’s 2026 Season Confirmed Over as UAE Team Emirates-XRG Rules Out Racing Return

Tadej Pogačar’s 2026 Season Confirmed Over as UAE Team Emirates-XRG Rules Out Racing Return

 

 

Tadej Pogačar will not return to competitive racing before the end of the 2026 season, with UAE Team Emirates-XRG confirming that there are currently no plans for the world champion to compete again this year.

The clarification follows a brief period of uncertainty after Pogačar appeared on a preliminary Slovenian longlist for the UEC Road European Championships, scheduled to take place in Ljubljana on 4 October. His inclusion on the list raised the possibility that the Slovenian could make a surprise return before the end of the season.

However, UAE Team Emirates-XRG told Danish outlet Feltet that the longlist was likely an outdated document and that Pogačar’s recovery programme does not include any further races in 2026.

The Slovenian has resumed light indoor training as he continues his recovery, but that work is not being treated as preparation for an imminent return to competition.

Cycling journalist Daniel Friebe later reported the same position after speaking with Pogačar’s management team, stating that the rider’s camp was adamant that his season was already over.

The confirmation effectively ends speculation surrounding a possible appearance at the European Championships. Pogačar had been listed by Slovenia as the reigning European champion, but the preliminary nature of the list meant it was never confirmation that he would actually compete.

Final startlists for the European Championships are expected to be published shortly before the respective races, according to Cyclingnews.

Pogačar’s 2026 season was brought to an abrupt end following his crash at the Vuelta a España last month. The 27-year-old suffered a fractured collarbone and a fractured vertebra, forcing him to abandon the race and begin a period of rehabilitation.

He had already indicated on 5 September that he would not race again in 2026, making the latest confirmation from his team consistent with his previous statement.

His absence will also be felt at Il Lombardia, one of the biggest targets of his autumn calendar. Pogačar has won the prestigious Italian Classic five consecutive times, but he will not be able to defend his title this year.

The Slovenian’s long-term future with UAE Team Emirates-XRG, however, remains secure. During his recovery period, the team confirmed that Pogačar had extended his contract through 2032, underlining the long-term commitment between the rider and the organisation.

For now, Pogačar’s focus is therefore on recovery rather than competition. His next racing appearance is expected to come in the opening weeks of the 2027 season, when he will begin the next chapter of his career following an unusually early end to his 2026 campaign.

The decision means cycling fans will have to wait until next year to see the reigning world champion back in competitive action.