The Slovenian champion, **Mateja Šimunek**, is not in condition to start this Sunday's race. Šimunek, who has been a dominant force in Slovenian cycling, has been dealing with an injury that has kept him out of training for the past few weeks. His team confirmed that he is still undergoing treatment and will not be able to compete in the upcoming event. Šimunek's absence comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts, as he had been in strong form leading up to the race. His team has not provided specific details about the nature of his injury, but they have assured supporters that he is making progress in his recovery. This marks the first time in several years that Šimunek has missed a major competition. The race, which is part of the UCI World Tour, has drawn international attention, with many top riders expected to compete. Šimunek's team has already named a replacement rider to step in for him, though the identity of the substitute has not been disclosed. This decision is seen as a strategic move to ensure the team remains competitive without compromising their overall performance. Fans of Šimunek have expressed disappointment but have also shown support for his recovery. Many have taken to social media to wish him a swift recovery and to express confidence in his ability to return to top form. The upcoming race will proceed without him, but his presence will still be felt by his team and supporters alike.