Tadej Pogacar pulls out of Slovenia's Paris 2024 Olympic Games cycling squad due to 'extreme fatigue'

ByAlec McQuarrie

Updated 22/07/2024 at 21:34 GMT

Tadej Pogacar will not be competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, after the Slovenia Olympic Team posted that he was not on their cycling team list. Instead, Domen Novak will take his place, with the Tour de France winner setting a laser focus on winning the World Championships in Zurich this September. Pogacar had already ruled himself out of the Vuelta a Espana in August.

Tadej Pogacar will not compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after Slovenia announced their cycling team on Monday.

The Tour de France champion, who completed an iconic Giro-Tour double this season, was a doubt for the Games after a statement from his manager Johnny Carera to Bicisport.

Instead, the Slovenian said he would be targeting the World Championships in Zurich this September.

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Pogacar had been provisionally selected for the Slovenia team in the road race, but the federation confirmed via social media on Monday that he would not be part of their roster, with Domen Novak taking his place.

"Men's Cycling Team Selector Unveils Names for Paris Olympics," read the post.

"Unfortunately, Tadej Pogacar will not be among them. He will be replaced by national team colleague Domen Novak. We wish Domen all the best and success.

"Once again, congratulations to the Tour de France winner for his third victory in the world's most prestigious cycling race, and we hope he rests well and prepares for his next races."

Slovenia's Olympic cycling coach Uros Murn confirmed the superstar withdrew from Paris 2024 due to fatigue.

"Unfortunately Tadej Pogacar has cancelled his participation because of a state of extreme fatigue," the BBC quotes Murn as saying.

Pogacar had already ruled himself out of the Vuelta a Espana, following the same decision from his Danish rival Jonas Vingegaard.

The three-time Tour de France winner admitted that he was "super tired" and wanted to focus on taking the world champion's rainbow jersey from Mathieu van der Poel in Zurich this September.

Pogacar said on Sunday: "[Mathieu] van der Poel looks really good in the world champion’s jersey but I want to take it from him. I want one time to have the rainbow jersey on my back but I still have time for that.

"I’m super tired, thanks for caring. That’s why I want to see some family, my friends, stay with [girlfriend] Urska, recharge my batteries.

"The last four months it’s been full gas for the Giro, full gas for the Tour, so much time staying away from home. And I’m tired."

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The 25-year-old's manager Carera released a statement earlier on Monday afternoon, adding that a decision had not been taken regarding his client's Olympics participation.

"We will decide in the next few days," said Carera.

"The World Championship is certain; it is his other major goal. And I believe the same can be said for the Lombardia.

"I would not guarantee his presence at the Olympics 100%. Given his status, he should participate to win."

But that decision appears to have been made following the post by the official Slovenia Olympic Team.

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