Speculation emerged after Spanish newspapers El Periódico and El País reported that Pogačar had recovered quickly enough from the injuries he suffered in his Stage 8 crash at the Vuelta a España to potentially join Slovenia’s team for the October 4 road race.
The reports came despite UAE Team Emirates-XRG previously stating that Pogačar had no plans to compete again in 2026. His name had remained on an earlier longlist released by the Slovenian Cycling Federation before his crash, while the rider himself had not indicated publicly that he was considering an early comeback.
The Slovenian federation has yet to announce its final elite men’s selection, leaving some uncertainty over whether Pogačar could be included. However, UAE team principal Mauro Gianetti has now made the team’s position clear.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gianetti acknowledged that Pogačar would naturally want to compete in the European Championships in his home country, but stressed that his recovery must come first.
“His will to be there is easy to understand, but it’s too early, health is priority so it won’t happen,” Gianetti said.
Those comments effectively rule out Pogačar appearing in Ljubljana on Sunday as he attempts to defend his European title. They also reinforce the original expectation that the Slovenian will spend the remainder of 2026 recovering from his Vuelta injuries before targeting a return to competition in 2027.
Pogačar suffered a broken collarbone and other injuries in his Stage 8 crash at the Vuelta. Although his recovery has progressed enough for him to resume cycling, UAE’s latest statement indicates that there will be no rush to bring him back to racing.
The European Championships speculation therefore appears to have ended, with Pogačar’s team prioritising his long-term recovery over an early return to competition.
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