Tadej Pogacar pulls out of Liege-Bastogne-Liege following death of partner's mother
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ByEurosport
Updated 23/04/2022 at 14:18 GMT
Tadej Pogacar was a strong favourite to defend his Liege-Bastogne-Liege title on Sunday, but the UAE Team Emirates leader has withdrawn following the death of his fiancee's mother. He has returned to Slovenia to be with her. Watch Liege-Bastogne-Liege and other top cycling live on Eurosport and discovery+.
Tadej Pogacar, au centre, avec Julian Alaphilippe à sa droite et Alejandro Valverde à sa gauche, dans le Mur de Huy - Flèche wallonne 2022
Image credit: Getty Images
Tadej Pogacar has withdrawn from Liege-Bastogne-Liege following the death of his partner’s mother.
On Thursday, Pogacar’s fiancee Urska Zigart revealed her mother had died - and it was understood that the two-time Tour de France winner had returned to Slovenia to be with her.
And on Saturday, the defending champion and race favourite confirmed he would not be on the start line in Belgium.
“Sadly I won't be at the start of Liege-Bastogne-Liege tomorrow,” Pogacar wrote on Twitter.
“It's been a tough few days but I'd like to thank everybody for their understanding.
“A special thank you to UAE Team Emirates & especially to Mauro Gianetti and team president Matar for their support in this situation."
UAE Team Emirates confirmed Pogacar’s place in the team would be taken by Brandon McNulty.
While McNulty will take Pogacar’s place, it is likely that Marc Hirschi will be UAE Team Emirates’ leader in the race.
With Pogacar out of the race, Wout van Aert has assumed favouritism for La Doyenne.
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Watch Liege-Bastogne-Liege and other top cycling live on Eurosport and discovery+.
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