Slovak Cycling Federation uses amateur riders to protect Olympic qualification points

The Slovak Cycling Federation has implemented an unconventional solution for the upcoming cycling world championships in Montreal to ensure the nation maintains its UCI ranking and Olympic qualification prospects. Due to a series of injuries and availability issues affecting originally nominated riders Matthias Schwarzbacher, Martin Svrček, and Nora Jenčušová, as well as Lukáš Kubiš being unable to participate due to his team's schedule, Slovakia lacks eligible elite competitors.

To prevent the national championship from dropping to a lower category—which would result in a significant loss of UCI points—the federation has registered two amateur athletes, Tereza Kurnická and Vladimír Kováčik, to represent the country. Kováčik, who serves as a masseur for the national team, will participate to fulfill the UCI requirement of having at least one representative in the elite category. Coach Jakub Vančo noted that this formal participation is essential to protect the rankings of Slovakia's talented cyclists ahead of the 2028 Olympic qualification period.