Tadej Pogacar ruled out after Vuelta crash injuries

Tadej Pogacar is set to miss the rest of the season, including the Montreal World Championships in four weeks, after suffering several serious injuries during the Vuelta a Espana. The UAE Emirates rider will also need surgery on his left clavicle, but the operation will be postponed while doctors monitor the concussion caused by the crash.

The incident occurred during Saturday’s eighth stage when Pogacar struck a stone at the side of the road. He could not remount and was forced to abandon the race. The Slovenian was taken away in an ambulance, with his arm in a sling and his red leader’s jersey torn. He had visible injuries to his face and shoulder.

Medical examinations at hospital identified a concussion, a displaced fracture of the left clavicle and a stable fracture of the C7 cervical vertebra. Pogacar also suffered several abrasions. The assessment found no additional serious injury and no neurological damage, but the combination of the injuries requires continued medical supervision.

His team will provide further information after the clavicle operation. Until then, the immediate priority is managing the concussion before surgery can take place. Pogacar’s abandonment ends his Vuelta challenge and removes him from the World Championships in Montreal, which are scheduled for four weeks after the crash. The injuries therefore bring his competitive season to an early close.