'Happy to be alive': Tadej Pogacar opens up on crash, surgery and mental toll

Tadej Pogacar has disclosed he sustained three fractured vertebrae in the crash that ended his season, expressing gratitude for merely being alive. The Slovenian cyclist, initially diagnosed with a neck fracture and a broken collarbone, later discovered additional damage during a follow-up CT scan. Pogacar told The Athletic in an interview, "At that moment, I was happy I didn't do the European Championships."

Despite returning to a near-normal life, he remains cautious as he heals, avoiding heavy lifting and crashes. The initial weeks post-accident were challenging, with Pogacar suffering from dizziness, nausea, and poor coordination due to a concussion. He underwent surgery, but recovery was slower and mentally tougher than anticipated.

The 28-year-old experienced depression after the procedure, finding it difficult to muster any positive emotions. However, his mood improved when he resumed rehabilitation and indoor training. Pogacar acknowledged the potential risks of further crashes, emphasizing the seriousness of his situation and urging others not to downplay the severity of such incidents.