Tadej Pogačar has undergone successful surgery in Barcelona on a dislocated left collarbone. The procedure followed a severe crash that forced the Slovenian cycling star to withdraw from the Vuelta a España, according to the medical team of UAE Emirates. Conducted at a university hospital, the operation was delayed by two days because the 28-year-old rider also sustained a concussion in the high-speed accident.
Successful Barcelona Surgery Follows High-Speed Vuelta Crash
Hospital Observation and Treatment of Multiple Injuries
Dr. Rotunno noted that the surgery on the left collarbone went smoothly, though the team’s medical staff has not yet provided an estimated recovery timeline. The crash caused far more than a broken collarbone. Medical evaluations revealed a stable C7 cervical vertebra fracture alongside multiple abrasions. Pogačar will remain hospitalized in Barcelona for several days of observation. Following this, he will return home to begin his rehabilitation under strict team supervision.
Grand Tour Ambitions Cut Short on Stage Eight
The incident struck during the eighth stage of the Vuelta a España, roughly 30 kilometers from the finish line. Pogačar was caught in a crash that abruptly ended his race. Before the accident, he held an undisputed grip on the general classification lead. Sitting nearly four minutes ahead after seven stages, he was actively targeting a historic sweep of all three Grand Tours. This sudden abandonment marks a stark milestone: it is the very first time in his professional career that he has failed to finish a multi-stage race.
World Championship Defense in Jeopardy
The physical toll threatens the remainder of his racing calendar. UAE Emirates management indicated that Pogačar’s participation in the upcoming World Championships in Montreal, Canada, is practically ruled out. Team principal Gianetti noted that defending the world titles won over the previous two seasons is extremely unlikely given the severity of the trauma. Current projections suggest his competitive season may have concluded prematurely.
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