The essentials
Pogacar's injury absence leaves Evenepoel and Seixas as main favorites in Montreal.
Tadej Pogacar will not compete at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships men's road race in Montreal on September 27, with injury cited as the reason for his withdrawal. His absence significantly alters the competitive landscape of the elite event.
Remco Evenepoel and Paul Seixas emerge as main favorites to claim victory in the absence of the two-time Tour de France champion. The French cycling team has assembled its roster for the championship, seeking to reclaim cycling's premier one-day title. France has not won the men's road race world championship since 2021, making this an opportunity to end their five-year drought in the discipline.
Other ways to read this story.
Alternative framings generated by SigNews. These are not independent sources or attributed quotations.
Pogacar's absence reshapes Montreal favorites and title dynamics
With Pogacar unavailable, the championship field becomes more open. Remco Evenepoel and Paul Seixas are positioned as main favorites to fill the void left by the injured champion. This creates new opportunities for other top contenders to compete for the world title in Montreal.
France targets first road race title in five years without Pogacar
The French cycling team has prepared its roster for Montreal, aiming to secure a world championship title for the first time since 2021. Pogacar's injury absence removes one of cycling's dominant forces from contention, potentially improving France's prospects for reclaiming the men's road race world championship.