Tadej Pogacar undergoes ‘successful’ surgery after shock Vuelta crash

Professional cyclist Tadej Pogacar has successfully undergone surgery to address a collarbone fracture sustained during a crash during the Vuelta a Espana. The six-time grand tour champion was leading the race by nearly four minutes before the incident occurred on stage eight, where he crashed on a seemingly flat road. Pogacar sustained deep cuts to his left shoulder and face, leading him to withdraw from the race for the first time since 2023 and his first at a grand tour.

His UAE Team Emirates-XRG team confirmed the extent of his injuries, which include a concussion, multiple abrasions, a displaced left clavicle fracture, and a stable C7 cervical fracture. He was taken to a hospital in Valencia before being transferred to Barcelona for surgery on his collarbone fracture. The surgery was deemed successful, though it was initially postponed due to his concussion.

Pogacar is expected to remain in the hospital for post-operative monitoring for a few days. His medical director, Dr Adrian Rotunno, confirmed the successful surgery and stated that he will be under team medical staff supervision for his recovery. The injuries have significantly impacted his chances of defending his world title and winning the Montreal race, as well as his participation in the European Championships in Ljubljana in October.