Pogacar absence opens road race as Evenepoel eyes Montreal glory

The men's elite road race at the world championships in Montreal on Sunday will be run without its dominant figure, with Tadej Pogacar absent after a heavy crash during the Vuelta a España.

His withdrawal has reshaped the picture at the top of the sport, and Remco Evenepoel arrives in Canada with designs on an unprecedented medal haul, according to Guardian Sport.

The Belgian is described as a man on a mission in Montreal, with the rainbow jersey the target that has eluded a settled favourite in Pogacar's absence.

Tom Pidcock and Oscar Onley will carry British hopes into the race, both named among the contenders looking to take advantage of the changed landscape at the front of the field.

They are joined in that group by Paul Seixas of France and Isaac del Toro of Mexico, with Evenepoel completing a quartet of names identified as the leading threats.

For Pidcock or Onley to claim the title, either would still have to overcome Evenepoel, whose determination to make the most of the opportunity has been made plain heading into the weekend.

The race represents a rare instance in recent seasons where the destination of the world title is not shaped primarily around Pogacar, and the wider field has been quick to register the shift in expectations that follows.

Attention now turns to how the group of favourites manage the race itself, with Sunday's road race in Montreal set to decide the new world champion.