Phoenix 24
The race leader’s pursuit of cycling history disappeared within seconds on an otherwise flat stage.
XERACO, SPAIN
Tadej Pogačar was forced to abandon the Vuelta a España after crashing approximately 33 kilometres from the finish of stage eight between Puçol and Xeraco. The Slovenian was travelling near the front of the peloton when he collided with another rider and fell at high speed, with cyclists behind him adding to the impact. The precise trigger for the collision has not been officially established.
Pogačar suffered a displaced fracture of his left clavicle, a stable fracture of the C7 cervical vertebra, concussion and multiple abrasions, according to subsequent medical reports. Images showed blood on his face and an open wound near his eyebrow. He attempted to return to his bicycle but could not continue and was transported to hospital by ambulance.
Surgery is expected for the clavicle injury, although medical personnel are applying concussion precautions before proceeding. Reports indicate that no serious neurological damage was detected, but his recovery timetable remains uncertain. Consequently, any assessment of his participation in the World Championships or other remaining races would be premature.
The withdrawal radically changed the Vuelta’s general classification. Pogačar had led by three minutes and 50 seconds over Enric Mas after winning three stages. Mas inherited the red jersey and became the first Spanish rider to lead the race since 2018, while Primož Roglič moved into second place. Mas declined to wear the leader’s jersey on the podium as a gesture of respect.
Bryan Coquard won the crash-affected stage ahead of Mads Pedersen and Jordi Meeus. For Pogačar, the accident ended his attempt to win the only Grand Tour missing from his record and become one of the few cyclists to conquer the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a España. Competitive ambitions now yield to the more important task of ensuring that his injuries heal without lasting consequences.
Hechos que no se doblan. / Facts that do not bend.