Slovakia will line up at the elite men's road race of the cycling world championships with its team masseur as the country's only starter, according to NU and other Dutch outlets. The decision follows the withdrawal of Slovakia's riders from the event, leaving the team without a competing athlete.
The masseur, a staff member who has not raced for nine years, will take the start so that Slovakia keeps its place in the race, reports Sporza. According to WielerFlits, the move is also intended to protect an Olympic dream tied to the country's participation. NU describes the entry as a formality.
The unusual situation has drawn attention from several Dutch and Belgian cycling outlets, including AD.nl, De Telegraaf and Sporza, which all reported on the staff member stepping in. The race is part of the 2026 world championships, held in late September.
It remains to be seen whether the masseur completes the course or how race organizers handle a field that includes a non-competitive entrant.
