Initially, it was speculated whether he could return for the World Championships, beginning next weekend, before that was ruled out. Now, Slovenian coach Uroš Murn expects Pogacar to be present in Montreal.
Tadej Pogacar reappears after his La Vuelta crash
Pogacar’s absence changes Slovenia’s plans
The Slovenian coach admitted Pogacar’s withdrawal forced a considerable reshuffle in the final weeks before the championships.
“After Tadej’s injury there was quite a scramble in terms of making adjustments. If Omrzel is not in Canada, nobody will travel in his place because Domen Novak will be racing in Croatia with his team.
“We do not really need any other riders we could call up given the changed dynamics of the race. In recent years we had to control the race, now we will leave that to others.”
Roglic could feature more prominently
Pogacar’s absence puts more focus on Primoz Roglic, who in the heat of general classification battle at the Vuelta a Espana. He provides Slovenia an in-form alternative after losing the rider around whom their original World Championships plans had been constructed.
“The climbs in the race suit him, while technically the course is not that demanding because the roads are wide,” he said.
“Positioning in the group will be very important, so that we can protect him at the front and make sure he has the support he needs.”
Read More: Tadej Pogacar expected to travel to Montreal World Championships – But not to race as he