Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar has successfully undergone surgery to repair a collarbone fracture sustained during a crash at the Vuelta a Espana, as confirmed by his team, UAE Team Emirates. The incident occurred during stage eight of the prestigious race, where Pogacar was leading by nearly four minutes over his nearest rival, Enric Mas.
The crash took place on a seemingly innocuous flat stretch of road, catching many by surprise. Pogacar, a six-time grand tour winner, initially attempted to remount his bike after the fall but quickly realized he could not continue. This marked a significant moment in his career, as it was the first time he has abandoned a race since the 2023 Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and notably, his first-ever withdrawal from a grand tour event.
Following the crash, Pogacar was diagnosed with a concussion, multiple abrasions, a displaced left clavicle fracture, and a stable C7 cervical fracture. He was first taken to a hospital in Valencia before being transferred to Barcelona for further treatment. The surgery on his collarbone was initially delayed due to the concussion, but UAE's medical director, Dr. Adrian Rotunno, later confirmed that the operation was completed successfully.
In a statement on social media, Dr. Rotunno said, “This afternoon, Tadej underwent successful surgery on his left clavicle after receiving the all-clear to proceed with the operation. The procedure went well and he will remain in hospital for post-operative monitoring for a few days.” He added that Pogacar would begin his recovery and rehabilitation under the supervision of the team's medical staff once he is ready to return home.
The exact cause of the crash has not been officially confirmed by the team, but video footage suggested that Pogacar may have hit a rock on the road, leading to his fall. Medical personnel were quick to attend to him, and he was transported to the hospital shortly after the incident.
Pogacar's injuries have raised serious concerns about his ability to defend his world title at the upcoming championships in Montreal, where he was aiming for a third consecutive rainbow jersey. Additionally, he is likely to miss the European Championships in Ljubljana this October, where he is also the reigning champion. His absence from these key events highlights the significant impact of the crash on his season and future competitions.
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