Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar, a two-time Tour de France winner, has withdrawn from the Vuelta a España after a severe crash during the eighth stage. The incident occurred 32 kilometers before the finish line, leading to significant injuries for the 27-year-old athlete.
UPDATE: Surgery Required for Pogacar
Adrian Rotunno, the medical director of UAE-Team Emirates, provided further details regarding Pogacar’s condition. He confirmed that Pogacar will undergo surgery.
Unfortunately, Tadej Pogacar suffered a significant fall during today’s stage and could not continue. His condition is stable, and after thorough medical evaluation at the hospital, he was diagnosed with a concussion, a displaced fracture of the left collarbone, a stable fracture of the C7 cervical vertebra, and multiple abrasions. Fortunately, there are no other major injuries or neurological damage. He will require surgery on his collarbone, which has been postponed due to precautionary measures related to the concussion. Tadej remains under our medical team’s care, and we will provide further updates after the operation – Adrian Rotunno
UPDATE: Initial Reports on Pogacar’s Injury
The official doctor of the Vuelta a España shared early updates about Pogacar’s injury.
Pogacar sustained a serious injury, including a traumatic brain injury and a dislocated fracture of the collarbone. He experienced intense pain and significant functional limitation in his left arm, making it impossible for him to bear weight or exert pressure. Given the nature of the injuries, surgical treatment might be necessary – Official statement from the Vuelta a España
Pogacar Forced to Withdraw from Vuelta a España
Considered one of the best cyclists of his generation, Tadej Pogacar aimed to enhance his impressive record. With five Tour de France victories and a win in the 2024 Giro d’Italia, the Slovenian was a top contender to secure another grand tour win.
Prior to the eighth stage, Pogacar had built a lead of 3 minutes and 50 seconds over the second-place rider in the overall standings, which featured Enric Mas from Movistar and Primoz Roglic from Bora.
The eighth stage proved to be unlucky. With 32 kilometers remaining, Pogacar was involved in a crash. He attempted to remount his bike but was unable to continue.
In visible pain with injuries to his left shoulder and blood on his face, Pogacar had to accept his fate and was transported to a hospital for further examination. Officials from UAE Team Emirates are expected to provide additional information soon.
After a serious fall, leader Tadej Pogacar had to withdraw from the eighth stage of La Vuelta. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Tadej! – Official statement from La Vuelta
This marks the first time Pogacar has withdrawn from a stage race in his career. Reports suggest that the crash may have been caused by a stone on the road, as observed in circulating social media footage.
It has been a short time since the Tour de France, but I believe it was enough for me to recover. The Vuelta a España is a very challenging competition, and it will be tough. There are many talented cyclists at the start, and it will be difficult. I really enjoy competing in Spain. The atmosphere and the people are incredible. I have very fond memories of the Vuelta from 2019. Now the feelings are different, and I hope to give it my all. I am very eager for this race to start – Tadej Pogacar, statement at the start of Vuelta a España
Pogacar’s Remarkable Achievements at Just 27
- 5-time Tour de France winner (2020, 2021, 2024, 2025, 2026)
- Giro d’Italia champion (2024)
- World road race champion in 2024 and 2025
- European champion in 2025
- 5 victories in the Tour of Lombardy, 3 in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, 2 in the Tour of Flanders, 1 in Milan-San Remo, and 4 in Strade Bianche
- 26 stage wins in the Tour de France, just 9 behind the record holder, Mark Cavendish.
