Tour de France champion Pogacar has collarbone surgery after Vuelta crash

Barcelona, Spain (AP) — Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar underwent successful surgery on his left collarbone on Monday after a crash during the Vuelta a España weekend, according to his UAE Team Emirates team.

The 2019 Tour winner suffered two broken bones on Saturday when a stone rolled onto the road, causing him to lose control in the eighth stage. He tried to remount his bike but could not continue and was taken to an ambulance. Pogačar subsequently dropped out of the race.

Dr. Xavier Mir conducted the operation at Dexus University Hospital in Barcelona, stating that the procedure was successful and the athlete will stay in the hospital for additional monitoring over the next few days.

Pogačar entered the Vuelta with a significant lead, leading many to believe he could become the ninth male cyclist to triumph in all three Grand Tours. However, the crash derailed his plans, with his next event set to be the world road championships in Montreal on September 20, provided he recovers in time. The Vuelta is set to resume on Tuesday with a lengthy 187-kilometer stage from Alcaraz to Elche de la Sierra, concluding in Granada on September 13.