Tadej Pogacar has opted to end his season early after crashing out of the Vuelta a Espana, meaning he will miss the chance to win a straight hat-trick of world titles.
The Slovenian won the rainbow jersey in Zurich in 2024 and defended his title in Kigali last year, but will not start in Montreal at the end of this month. His absence opens the door for former world champion Remco Evenepoel, his trade teammate Isaac del Toro and French rider Paul Seixas.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG announced the news on Saturday, alongside confirmation that the 27-year-old has extended his contract with the squad until the end of 2032. He has been with the team since 2019.
Pogacar had been aiming to become just the ninth man to complete the set of grand tour titles after winning his fifth Tour de France this summer and the 2024 Giro d'Italia. He led the Vuelta by nearly four minutes before crashing on stage eight, fracturing his collarbone and sustaining a cervical fracture and concussion. He later underwent successful surgery on the clavicle fracture.
His decision also means he will not defend his European title in Ljubljana next month and will miss Il Lombardia, which he has won a record five consecutive times.