Tadej Pogacar’s bid to win all three Grand Tours in a single season came to an abrupt end on stage 8 of the Vuelta a Espana after the Slovenian rider sustained a significant crash that left him with a broken collarbone, concussion and other injuries.
The race leader was forced to abandon the competition following the incident, with the UAE Team Emirates medical team confirming that surgery will be required to address his injuries. “Fortunately, no other major injuries and no neurological fallout,” said Dr Adrian Rotunno, Medical Director of UAE Team Emirates, providing an initial assessment of Pogacar’s condition.
Race Leadership Lost
Pogacar had been leading the Vuelta a Espana at the time of the crash, positioning himself well in the overall classification. His exit from the race marks a significant development in the three-week Spanish Grand Tour, which continues with riders including Enric Mas of Movistar and Bryan Coquard of Cofidis competing in the remaining stages.
End of Historic Bid
The crash represents a dramatic conclusion to Pogacar’s attempt at an unprecedented achievement. The three-time Tour de France champion had been pursuing a historic sweep of cycling’s three most prestigious stage races in a single calendar year—a feat rarely accomplished at the highest level of professional cycling. His withdrawal from the Vuelta a Espana eliminates that possibility for the 2024 season.
The timing of the incident on stage 8 means Pogacar must now focus entirely on his recovery and rehabilitation from the injuries sustained in the crash. The requirement for surgery adds another dimension to his recuperation timeline as he works to return to competitive cycling.