
Slovakia’s team masseur Vladimir Kovacik competed in the men’s road race at the cycling world championships in Montreal after injuries and other absences left the national team without a single available rider.
The 28-year-old, a former professional cyclist whose last race was in 2017, was pressed into service to avoid qualification penalties for the 2028 Olympics. Without a starter, the UCI could have downgraded Slovakia’s national championships, halving the points its riders could earn toward Los Angeles qualification, according to German daily Welt .
Kovacik managed over 100 kilometers of the 273.4-kilometer course before being pulled by officials alongside other dropped riders as the race entered its decisive final laps. “This is the race of my life. I’m doing this for Slovak cycling,” he said before the start, adding that two riders were injured and a third was denied permission by his trade team .
He described the sudden return to competition as surreal. “A few days ago we decided this,” Kovacik said. “Form? There is no form. I train a little, but like an amateur.” He also noted the practical hurdles: “I last pinned on a number nine years ago. And I had to shave my legs. That was difficult” .
Slovak media framed the episode as an unlikely hero’s moment, with Kovacik’s effort celebrated on social platforms .
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