Pogacar expected in Montréal despite not racing as Slovenia coach warns of friction between Evenepoel and Van Aert

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) will not race at the upcoming UCI Road World Championships in Montréal, but the two-time champion is still expected to make the trip to Canada to support the Slovenian team. 

Slovenian coach Uroš Murn confirmed to POP TV, that he expects Pogačar to travel to Montréal despite not being able to race, and that his presence will give the Slovenian team a boost. Urška Žigart is also set to race the elite women’s road race. 

In addition, Murn believes that Pogačar’s absence from the race will significantly alter the team’s approach, freeing the riders from the responsibility of controlling the race and allowing them to operate more aggressively. 

"From what I’ve seen in the media, we’ve been somewhat sidelined, which certainly plays into our hands,” Murn told Siol.Net.

“The guys coming from the Vuelta will be in excellent form, and we need to capitalise on that. The entire dynamic of our team will change, so we’ll have to adjust our tactics accordingly.”

In the absence of Pogačar, Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) is set to lead the line for the Slovenians, and the 36-year-old currently sitting second at the Vuelta a España has provided an encouraging sign of form for Murn. 

"Before the Vuelta, he wasn't entirely sure if he would go to the World Championships. We agreed to touch base on the second rest day,” said Murn.

“That was when he happily confirmed his participation, as he could see for himself that he was in excellent form and could achieve a strong result. There were no conditions attached regarding the role of team leader.”

Murn also believes that the Belgian squad will look to take on much of the responsibility during the race, with both Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike) targeting victory.

“I think the Belgians will try to keep the race under control for as long as possible. Their challenge is having two riders who both want the win, so it will be interesting to see how they coordinate,” he said.

Murn believes that dynamic could even create some friction within the Belgian team.

“For me, Remco Evenepoel is the favourite, but I think there could be friction within the team. Wout van Aert, who is riding exceptionally well at the Vuelta, also wants to win.”

Evenepoel himself has played down any concerns over the shared leadership, describing the tactic as logical given Van Aert’s form.

Ultimately, Murn views 2022 champion Evenepoel as the favourite for the rainbow jersey, but anticipates that the strongest riders from the Vuelta will be able to carry their form over to Canada too.

“We will certainly see him in the finale. He is the main favourite, but quite a few riders coming from the Vuelta will be in very good form.”

“Quite a few guys could come to the fore. The Vuelta showed who has really good legs, and they will have to be reckoned with too. From Enric Mas to Oscar Onley, Felix Gall...”