Tadej Pogacar out of Vuelta after crash, needs surgery

Tadej Pogacar's bid for a historic Grand Tour sweep ended on Saturday, 29 August 2026, when a crash forced him out of the Vuelta a España. The Slovenian star suffered a broken collarbone and other injuries, requiring surgery and casting doubt on his season.

What injuries did Pogacar suffer in the crash?

Pogacar's crash happened about 31km from the finish of stage eight. Medical reports from his UAE Team Emirates squad confirmed a displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 cervical fracture, a concussion, and multiple abrasions. Team medical director Adrian Rotunno stated there was no neurological fallout, but surgery on the collarbone is needed. It will be delayed due to concussion protocols.

He shared a photo from his hospital bed on 30 August, wearing a neck brace with plasters on his face and hand. Pogacar soundtracked the post with the Bee Gees' 'Stayin' Alive', showing his spirits were up. This is the first Grand Tour the 27 year old has failed to finish.

How did the Vuelta stage eight crash unfold?

The incident occurred on a seemingly innocuous stretch of road. Pogacar was riding near the front after an intermediate sprint when he suddenly swerved, lost control, and went over his handlebars. He landed on his shoulder and face. Television footage was unclear on the exact cause, but one report suggested a rock on the road may have been involved.

Medical staff reached him quickly. Pogacar spent several minutes on the tarmac before trying to remount. He cried out in pain and could not continue. His left shoulder was placed in a sling before he was taken to an ambulance, ending his race. His entire team stopped and waited, eventually restarting nine minutes behind the peloton.

What did Pogacar's crash mean for the Vuelta standings?

Pogacar was the overwhelming race favourite, holding a massive lead of 3 minutes 50 seconds over Spaniard Enric Mas. His withdrawal immediately reshaped the general classification. Mas inherited the red leader's jersey. The next day, on stage nine, Mas extended his advantage by winning the stage in a two man sprint against Britain's Oscar Onley.

The crash ended Pogacar's attempt to complete a career clean sweep of the three Grand Tours. He has won the Tour de France five times and the Giro d'Italia once. The Vuelta was the last major title missing from his palmarès. His team has not specified a recovery timeline, but it seems unlikely he will be fit to defend his world championship title in late September in Canada.

• Pogacar suffered a broken collarbone, a neck fracture, and a concussion in the crash.
• His 3 minute 50 second race lead was lost, with Enric Mas taking over as Vuelta leader.
• This marks Pogacar's first ever abandonment of a Grand Tour event.
• Surgery is required but delayed due to his concussion.