In a dramatic twist just days before the World Championships in Kigali, Slovenian national coach Uroš Murn has taken aim at his biggest star, Tadej Pogačar. The announcement of Slovenia’s nine-man roster, accompanied by a provocative statement from Murn, sent shockwaves across the cycling community and left fans and pundits buzzing with speculation. What was expected to be a routine unveiling of the team’s lineup has now turned into one of the most talked-about pre-race stories of the year.
Murn, himself a former professional rider, did not mince words when addressing the media. He stressed that no rider, regardless of their status, is above the team’s collective goals. Though he never mentioned Pogačar by name in his statement, the timing and tone were widely interpreted as a direct message to the two-time Tour de France winner. “Every athlete must earn his place and follow the plan. This is not about one man but about Slovenia,” Murn reportedly said, prompting headlines across Europe.
The announcement of the squad revealed a blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents, signaling that Slovenia intends to race aggressively and perhaps unpredictably in Kigali. Analysts have suggested that Murn could be preparing a tactical setup that does not center entirely on Pogačar, a move that would be unprecedented given the rider’s stature and recent dominance. For many fans, it raised the question of whether internal tensions are brewing within the team or whether this is simply a psychological ploy to keep rivals guessing.
Pogačar, who has been Slovenia’s undisputed leader at major championships, now finds himself under intense scrutiny. With social media already ablaze, supporters are debating whether Murn’s remarks will motivate him to deliver an even stronger performance or risk unsettling the team dynamic. Some commentators have even compared the situation to classic mind games seen in football or tennis, where coaches publicly challenge star players to extract peak performances.
Meanwhile, rumors swirl that Slovenia is working behind closed doors on an unexpected tactical “gambit” for the Kigali course. The hilly, punishing circuit is expected to favor explosive climbers like Pogačar, yet the inclusion of several powerful domestiques and classics specialists hints at a more complex strategy. If successful, it could catch rival nations off guard and potentially rewrite how national teams approach one-day championships.
The fallout from Murn’s statement has already reached far beyond Slovenia. International media outlets are framing the story as a rare public power shift between a coach and a superstar athlete. Former pros have weighed in, with some praising Murn’s firmness and others warning that such pressure could backfire at a crucial moment.
As the countdown to Kigali continues, all eyes will be on Pogačar and the Slovenian squad to see how this drama unfolds. Will the pressure galvanize the team into a unified force, or will the tension disrupt their campaign? One thing is certain: Uroš Murn’s bold move has ensured that Slovenia’s World Championships story is already one of the most explosive in recent memory.
