The Slovenian returned home to support his companion, who was grieving for her mother.
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The outgoing winner, the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, withdrew on Saturday April 23 for Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday, his UAE formation announced on the eve of the race. Pogacar, double winner of the Tour de France, returned to Slovenia on Thursday April 21 to support his partner Urska Zygart, who is grieving for her mother.
“Unfortunately, I will 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 manager, the Swiss Mauro Gianetti.
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 at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the 23-year-old Pogacar finished 18th on his debut in 2019 before finishing third in 2020 and winning in 2021.