Tadej Pogačar crashes out of La Vuelta a España
Tadej Pogačar abandons the Vuelta a España after crashing during the eighth stage of the race.
Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar has withdrawn from the Vuelta a España following a crash during the eighth stage of the race. Initially holding a three-minute and fifty-second lead, Pogačar was involved in a collision around 33 kilometers from the finish line on Saturday. Despite attempts to continue, the 31-year-old was unable to complete the stage and was taken to an ambulance.
The UAE Team Emirates leader was attempting to become the ninth man to triumph in all three Grand Tours. Following the incident, Pogačar sustained cuts to his head and injuries to his left arm and shoulder, requiring stitches in his eyebrow. The race's sports manager, Matxin Joxean Fernandez, noted that Pogačar initially wanted to persist but decided against it due to the severity of his injuries.
Pogačar, who had not raced in the Vuelta since his debut in 2019, had been leading the competition since the opening stage. The incident has dashed his hopes of claiming a record-extending fifth victory in the event.
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