Tadej Pogačar Ends Season After Vuelta Crash and Extends UAE Contract Through 2032

Crash Ends 2026 Season for Slovenian Star

Announcements made by the team and reported across international sports media on September 5, 2026, confirmed that the Slovenian star sustained multiple injuries during the race’s eighth stage. The incident forced him to undergo surgery and prematurely close the book on his current campaign.

Surgery Follows Severe Vuelta Injuries

The 27-year-old rider crashed during the eighth stage of the Vuelta. The accident resulted in fractures to a cervical vertebra (C7) and his collarbone, alongside a concussion.

Following a successful surgical procedure the following Monday, Pogačar and his team confirmed that he will not return to competitive action for the remainder of the year.

Forced Absence From Autumn Championships

The premature end to his season rules the double world champion out of several high-profile autumn events.

Pogačar will miss the UCI Road World Championships—scheduled from September 20 to 27 in Canada—where he was slated to defend his title. Additionally, he will sit out the European Championships, which are being held in his home country of Slovenia, as well as the prestigious late-season classic, Il Lombardia.

Rehabilitation Becomes Sole Priority

“For the year’s remaining schedule, Tadej will not resume competition as he focuses entirely on his recovery and rehabilitation,” UAE Team Emirates stated on social media.

Pogačar echoed that sentiment in a statement released by the team, emphasizing the need for patience. “For now, the most important thing is to recover properly and give my body the time it needs,” he said.

Long-Term Commitment Through 2032

Amidst the rehabilitation news, UAE Team Emirates-XRG delivered a major organizational update by confirming that Pogačar has signed a massive contract extension keeping him with the Emirati outfit through the 2032 season. The multi-year commitment solidifies his partnership with the team where he has achieved the pinnacle of his career.

“From the beginning, this team has felt like home to me,” Pogačar said regarding the long-term deal. “We’ve grown together over the years and shared incredible moments, so I am very happy to extend my contract through 2032. There is still a lot that I want to achieve in this sport, and I believe this is the right place to do it.”

The team expressed immense pride in securing their franchise rider for the next six years, locking in his services through his prime athletic years. With his recovery now the sole priority, Pogačar’s immediate focus shifts away from the peloton and toward a structured rehabilitation program ahead of the 2027 season.