Tadej Pogacar, considered the world's best cyclist, suffered a devastating crash during Stage 8 of the Vuelta a España, forcing him to abandon the race. The incident occurred approximately 33km from the finish line on Saturday, when Pogacar, riding in the peloton, swerved, collided with another rider, and was subsequently hit by multiple cyclists from behind. This crash marks the first time in his career that Pogacar has abandoned a Grand Tour.
Following the crash, Pogacar was taken to the hospital. Medical evaluations revealed he sustained a concussion, a displaced fracture of his left clavicle (collarbone) which will require surgery, a stable C7 cervical (neck) fracture, and numerous abrasions, including deep cuts to his face and left shoulder that needed stitches. Despite initial attempts to remount his bike, he was in too much pain to continue and was seen walking into an ambulance with his arm in a sling. His team's medical director confirmed no other major injuries or neurological fallout.
The 27-year-old Slovenian was the overwhelming favorite to win the Vuelta a España, aiming to become only the ninth man to achieve the career Grand Tour hat-trick (winning the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España). He had already secured five Tour de France titles and a Giro d'Italia victory in 2024, and had worn the red leader's jersey since Stage 1 of the Vuelta, holding a substantial lead of 3 minutes and 50 seconds over Enric Mas. His abandonment was described as a significant blow to the race, which saw a spike in viewership due to his participation.
Following Pogacar's withdrawal, Movistar rider Enric Mas took over the general classification lead, becoming the first Spaniard to wear the red jersey since Jesus Herrada in 2018. Mas leads Felix Gall by 1 minute and 11 seconds, with Primoz Roglic in third. On the podium, Mas respectfully chose not to wear the red jersey immediately, instead holding it as a gesture of support for Pogacar. It remains uncertain if Pogacar will recover in time to defend his world champion's rainbow jersey at the Road World Championships scheduled for next month in Canada.
