Posted23 avril 2022, 12:37
The Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, outgoing winner of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, will not compete in the event in Belgium on Sunday. The double winner of the Tour de France returned to his country to support his bereaved companion.
Slovenian Tadej Pogacar will not defend his title in Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday.
IMAGO / Belgian
The outgoing winner, Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, withdrew from Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday, his UAE squad announced on the eve of the race.
Pogacar, double winner of the Tour de France, returned to Slovenia on Thursday to support his partner Urska Zygart who is grieving for her mother.
“I will unfortunately not be at the start of Liège-Bastogne-Liège tomorrow to defend my title. These last few days have been difficult but I would like to thank everyone for their understanding, ”said the Slovenian on his Instagram account, particularly thanking his team and his director, the Swiss Mauro Gianetti.
Two podiums on the “Doyenne”
Pogacar took 12th place in the Flèche wallonne on Wednesday, his recovery race since he had not run since the Tour of Flanders (4th) at the beginning of the month.
The Slovenian will be replaced in the Dean of the Classics by the American Brandon McNulty, said the Emirati team.
In his three appearances in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Pogacar (23) ranked 18th on his debut in 2019 before appearing for victory the next two times, and finishing third in 2020 and winner in 2021.
(AFP)