{
  "id": 17535029,
  "title": "Tadej Pogacar 'happy to be alive' as he recalls 'scary' Vuelta crash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/tadej-pogacar-happy-to-be-alive-as-he-recalls-scary-vuelta-crash-17535029",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-01T04:34:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/2026/11/01/tadej-pogacar-happy-to-be-alive-as-he-recalls-scary-vuelta-crash/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "UAE Team Emirates cyclist Tadej Pogacar expressed relief at being alive after suffering a frightening crash during the Vuelta a Espana. The five-time Tour de France winner was on track to add the race to his resume, which is the only Grand Tour he has yet to win. However, a crash on Stage 8 resulted in three fractured vertebrae, requiring surgery and sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Pogacar was initially diagnosed with a fractured neck, but further scans in his home country revealed additional injuries. Initially, Pogacar was grateful to avoid competing in the European Championships, his intended goal at the time. The crash left him with dizziness, nausea, and impaired coordination. He had to be assisted by the team doctor and could not shower due to dizziness. While his physical recovery has progressed, Pogacar has faced mental challenges. He described the path to recovery as a day-to-day struggle, but added that he feels much better now. Pogacar is targeting a comeback next season, though he acknowledges the crash will continue to weigh on his mind.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "‘Just happy to be alive’: Pogacar reveals three fractured vertebrae after Vuelta crash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/just-happy-to-be-alive-pogacar-reveals-three-fractured-vertebrae",
        "published": "2026-11-01T04:06:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}