Tadej Pogačar, the three-time Tour de France champion, will not be representing Slovenia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Slovenian Olympic Committee announced that Pogačar withdrew from the road race scheduled for August 3 due to fatigue following an exhausting season. Pogačar recently became the first rider in nearly three decades to win both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in the same year (NBC Olympics) (AOL.com).
Initially expected to be a strong contender for the Olympic road race, Pogačar’s decision to withdraw was influenced by his need for recovery. His replacement in the Slovenian lineup will be his teammate Domen Novak. The decision also reflects the broader trend of athletes prioritizing their health and recovery, particularly after grueling competitions like the Tour de France (NBC Olympics) (AOL.com).
The withdrawal of such a high-profile cyclist has been a significant development in the lead-up to the Olympics, highlighting the physical demands placed on top athletes and the strategic decisions they must make to balance their competitive goals with their well-being. The Slovenian team expressed their support for Pogačar and hopes to see him return to represent Slovenia in future competitions, such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (AOL.com) (cyclingnews.com).