Tadej Pogacar 'happy to be alive' as he recalls 'scary' Vuelta crash
UAE Team Emirates star Tadej Pogacar admits he is just “happy to be alive” as he reflects on the season-ending injuries he suffered at August's Vuelta a Espana. The five-time Tour de France champion was on course to add the race to his palmares – the only Grand Tour he is yet to win – but suffered three fractured vertebrae in a “scary” crash on Stage 8. The 28-year-old Slovenian was ruled out for…
UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar expressed relief at being alive following a dangerous crash during the Vuelta a Espana. The five-time Tour de France champion, 28, had been poised to secure the Vuelta, the only Grand Tour he has yet to win, but instead suffered severe injuries. Pogacar required surgery for a broken collarbone and three fractured vertebrae – C7, T1, and T2 – after colliding with another cyclist in Stage 8.
Beyond the physical pain, Pogacar endured dizziness, nausea, and impaired coordination, requiring assistance from the team doctor to bathe. His mental state suffered, but improved with light indoor training. While he has no discomfort now, he remains cautious about re-injury and continues recovery, with no timeline set by UAE Team Emirates. Pogacar, who signed a new contract until 2032, vowed to remain cautious about future crashes.
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