Pogačar's season likely over after crash, faces surgery for fractured collarbone

Tadej Pogačar, the current world champion, has been forced out of the Vuelta a España after a crash in the eighth stage left him with a fractured and dislocated collarbone. The Slovenian rider, who was a strong contender, is unlikely to defend his world championship title in Montreal in three weeks.

Initial reports from Spain suggest Pogačar also sustained several facial cuts, including to his eyebrow, and a concussion. He was immediately transported to a local hospital for assessment of the injury's severity and to determine if surgery is necessary. Alvaro Ostiz, the official doctor for the Vuelta, confirmed that the extent of the injury would be evaluated.

Collarbone injuries in sports can be unpredictable. While simple fractures can sometimes allow a cyclist to return within weeks, complex fractures, dislocations, or associated ligament damage can extend recovery to several months. The need for surgery and the speed of bone healing are critical factors in predicting a return-to-racing timeline.

"It seems the season is in jeopardy. Surgery will likely be needed – from what I've heard, it wasn't a simple fracture. But a collarbone injury can be healed in ten days or two months," commented cycling expert Martin Hvastija to RTV Slovenija. The World Championships are scheduled for September 20-27 in Montreal, followed by the European Championships in Slovenia. Pogačar's final major goal of the season was the Tour of Lombardy, a prestigious classic he has won five times.

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It seems the season is in jeopardy. Surgery will likely be needed – from what I've heard, it wasn't a simple fracture. But a collarbone injury can be healed in ten days or two months.