Pogacar to miss rest of season after Vuelta crash

Tadej Pogacar’s season has ended with a neck fracture suffered in the crash that forced him out of the Vuelta a Espana. The five-time Tour de France champion will not race again before 2027.

Pogacar crashed on the eighth stage last month while leading the Vuelta and required surgery for a broken collarbone. He also suffered a concussion, a stable neck fracture and multiple abrasions.

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Of course, this isn't the way I wanted my season to finish.

The injuries have ruled him out of the chance to defend his rainbow jersey at the World Championships in Montreal later this month. He was also due to defend his European Championships title in Ljubljana in October, in his home country, as well as compete in Il Lombardia, the season’s final one-day Monument race.

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

“Of course, this isn't the way I wanted my season to finish,” Pogacar said in a statement released by UAE Team Emirates-XRG. “Right now, the most important thing is to recover properly and give my body the time it needs. It has been a season with many special moments and I'm proud of what we achieved together. Now I'll focus on getting healthy, supporting the guys from home, and coming back next year ready for what's ahead.”

The Slovenian had been seeking to complete the set of Grand Tour titles by adding the Vuelta to his Giro d’Italia victory and Tour de France wins. His team said the decision to keep him out of competition would support a full recovery without setting a timetable for his return. UAE Team Emirates-XRG also said Pogacar had agreed to extend his contract by two years, through 2032.

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It has been a season with many special moments and I'm proud of what we achieved together. Now I'll focus on getting healthy, supporting the guys from home, and coming back next year ready for what's ahead.