Tadej Pogačar has been diagnosed with a concussion, a displaced fracture of his left collarbone, and a stable cervical fracture in the C7 vertebra following a severe crash at the Vuelta a España, according to medical updates released by UAE Team Emirates. The Slovenian crashed with 32 kilometers remaining in the race’s eighth stage while holding the overall leader’s red jersey, forcing his immediate retirement from the competition.
Stage 8 Crash Ends Red Jersey Run
The accident occurred on a Saturday afternoon during a Spanish grand tour. Team officials confirmed that Pogačar was evacuated by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where physicians performed an exhaustive medical evaluation. Dr. Adrian Rotunno, medical director for UAE Team Emirates, stated through the team’s official release that the rider’s condition is stable despite the extensive trauma.
Medical Bulletins and Stable Condition
«By misfortune, Tadej has suffered a severe crash during today’s stage and has been unable to continue the race,» Dr. Rotunno said in the team’s medical bulletin. «He is stable and, following a comprehensive medical evaluation at the hospital, has been diagnosed with a concussion, a displaced fracture of the left collarbone, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple abrasions.»
Medical staff have ruled out any additional severe injuries or neurological sequelae. However, the displaced fracture to the left clavicle requires surgical intervention. According to the team’s update, surgeons will postpone the operation as a precautionary measure to monitor the rider’s concussion before proceeding with the collarbone repair.
Immediate Aftermath and Forced Withdrawal
UAE Team Emirates management noted that Joxean Fernández Matxin, the team’s general manager, observed Pogačar initially attempting to continue riding immediately after the impact, sustaining a wound in his eyebrow before medical personnel intervened and ordered his withdrawal. The Slovenian departed the race in visible pain, clutching his left shoulder.
This forced withdrawal marks an unusual milestone in Pogačar’s career. While he has previously abandoned races—including the 2023 Liège-Bastogne-Liège after fracturing his left wrist—this incident represents the first time the five-time Tour de France winner has been forced to abandon a stage race since joining the UAE organization in 2019.
Autumn Calendar Uncertainty
Pogačar had dominated the opening week of the Vuelta, claiming three stage victories before the accident.
UAE Team Emirates has announced that additional medical bulletins regarding Pogačar’s status and surgical schedule will be published once the clavicle operation is completed. Supporters and media outlets await further word from the team’s medical staff as the rider remains under close clinical observation.
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