Pogacar to have surgery on broken collarbone after horrific Vuelta crash

What the report says

Five-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar was forced out of the Spanish Vuelta after a severe crash on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera. The Slovenian rider lost control of his bike when it appears a stone on the road caused him to swerve and fall about 33 kilometres from the finish of the eighth stage. He suffered a concussion, a displaced left collarbone fracture, a stable neck fracture and abrasions, and his team said he will need surgery on the broken collarbone.

UAE Team Emirates said Pogacar was alert and had no neurological complications, but surgery would be delayed because of concussion precautions. Team manager Matxin Joxean Fernandez said Pogacar initially tried to continue but was in too much pain to race on. Race organisers confirmed he withdrew from the event. The crash was shown on television footage, with Pogacar striking his head and shoulder after going over the handlebars.

The result also reshaped the race standings. Enric Mas of Movistar took the leader’s jersey after Pogacar, who had held a lead since the opening stage, exited the race. Al Jazeera reported that Pogacar had been trying to complete victories in all three Grand Tours, having already won the Tour de France this year and the Giro d’Italia in 2024.

The Vuelta continues through September 13 in Granada.