Pogačar sidelined until 2027 after serious Vuelta a España crash

Tadej Pogačar’s 2026 season is over after a high-speed crash on Stage 8 of the Vuelta a España caused a fractured left collarbone requiring surgery, a stable cervical fracture, a concussion and multiple abrasions. The Slovenian, who had been leading the race by nearly four minutes, will miss the World Championships in Montréal, the European Championships in Slovenia and the season-ending Il Lombardia. Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG said his priority is a full recovery without a fixed return deadline, with competition now expected to resume in 2027. The injury ends a standout season in which he won a record-equalling fifth Tour de France and several major one-day races; the team also extended his contract through 2032.