The Slovenian rider, who entered the day as the heavy favorite and commanding leader of the general classification, crashed 32.8 kilometers before the finish line in Xeraco, near Valencia. Television broadcast footage indicated that the UAE Emirates-XRG leader was unseated when his front wheel struck a large stone on the left side of the road, sending him tumbling forward and taking several other riders down with him.
Immediate Medical Evacuation and Race Exit
Following the violent collision within the peloton during the flat stage, Pogacar attempted to remount his bike and continue. However, the severity of his injuries forced him to climb into an ambulance, bringing an abrupt end to his campaign. The incident marks his first-ever abandonment in a Grand Tour and his first withdrawal from any professional multi-stage race.
Before Saturday’s stage, the 27-year-old five-time Tour de France winner had secured three stage victories in this year’s Vuelta. He held an overall lead of 3 minutes and 50 seconds over his closest challenger, Enric Mas, as he pursued a sweep of all three Grand Tours in a single calendar year following his triumphs at the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.
Uncertainty Surrounding Autumn Championship Schedule
The reigning star was scheduled to defend multiple titles in the coming weeks, including the World Championships in Montreal on September 27, the European Championships in Slovenia on October 4, and the Tour de Lombardie on October 10.
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