Pogačar Ends Season After Vuelta Crash
Pogačar Ends Season After Vuelta Crash
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Key Points
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UAE Team Emirates-XRG medical director Adrian Rotunno said Pogačar’s collarbone surgery was delayed because of the concussion, and that he is progressing well after the procedure.
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Pogačar had been attempting to complete a career Grand Tour clean sweep by winning the Vuelta a España, the only Grand Tour title missing from his palmarès; he was also seeking to become only the fourth rider to win the Tour de France and Vuelta in the same season.
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The team’s medical director said there would be no advantage in accelerating Pogačar’s rehabilitation to meet a racing deadline, with increased training to begin only after he is medically recovered and personally ready.
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Pogačar’s planned autumn campaign included defending his European title in Ljubljana and pursuing a sixth consecutive victory at Il Lombardia, in addition to his planned world-title defense in Montréal.
Tadej Pogačar's 2026 season is over. The Slovenian cyclist crashed at high speed on Stage 8 of the Vuelta a España and broke his left collarbone, fractured a cervical bone, and suffered a concussion, according to FloBikes. He underwent surgery and will miss the World Championships, European Championships, and Il Lombardia. There is no set date for his return to racing.
Pogačar had been leading the race by nearly four minutes before the crash. WTOP News reports he was attempting to win the Vuelta — the only Grand Tour title missing from his resume — and become the fourth rider ever to win the Tour de France and Vuelta in the same year. The team extended his contract through 2032, signaling confidence in his recovery.
A Career Grand Tour Dream Cut Short
Pogačar was chasing history at the Vuelta. Winning would complete his career Grand Tour clean sweep. He had already won five Tour de France titles and dominated one-day races throughout 2026. The crash on Stage 8 ended those dreams instantly, leaving him four minutes ahead but unable to continue.
Surgery Delayed Due to Concussion Protocol
Pogačar's collarbone surgery did not happen immediately after the crash. FloBikes reports that medical director Adrian Rotunno delayed the procedure because of the concussion. Doctors had to wait for the head injury to stabilize before operating. Rotunno said Pogačar is progressing well since the surgery and has no fixed return deadline.
No Rush to Accelerate Recovery for Racing
UAE Team Emirates-XRG will not push Pogačar to return early just to meet a race calendar. Rotunno made clear there is no advantage in speeding up rehab to hit a deadline. Increased training will only begin once Pogačar is medically cleared and feels ready himself. The team's focus is full recovery, not a quick comeback.
Lost Fall Races and a Two-Year Contract Extension
Pogačar was defending his European championship title in Ljubljana and seeking a sixth straight win at Il Lombardia. He also planned to defend his world title in Montréal. Those races are now off the table for 2026. Despite the injury, WTOP News reports the team extended his contract through 2032, showing long-term commitment to the champion cyclist.
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