Cycling: Tadej Pogačar ends season and extends contract

Tadej Pogačar has ended his season after the serious injuries he suffered in a crash at the Vuelta, and UAE Team Emirates has responded by extending the Slovenian star’s contract through the end of 2032.

Pogačar crashed on the eighth stage of the Spanish race a week ago. He suffered a complicated collarbone fracture, a clean fracture of a cervical vertebra and a concussion. Doctors operated on the shoulder earlier this week.

The decision ends his hopes of defending his world championship title later this month in Canada. His injuries also rule out a return for the autumn classics. At the time of the crash, Pogačar led the Vuelta standings comfortably.

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Right now, the most important thing is to recover properly and give my body the time it needs.

The 27-year-old has raced for the team from the United Arab Emirates since beginning his professional career in 2019. This season, he won the Tour de France and several other races.

“Right now, the most important thing is to recover properly and give my body the time it needs,” Pogačar said. He also welcomed the contract extension, saying, “We have grown together over the years and experienced many incredible moments. That is why I am very pleased about the contract extension through 2032. I want to achieve much more in this sport and am convinced that I am exactly where I belong.”

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We have grown together over the years and experienced many incredible moments. That is why I am very pleased about the contract extension through 2032. I want to achieve much more in this sport and am convinced that I am exactly where I belong.