Tadej Pogacar has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following a severe crash during the Vuelta a Espana that resulted in three fractured vertebrae, a broken collarbone, and a concussion. The Slovenian cyclist, who has claimed five Tour de France titles, revealed the extent of his injuries while expressing gratitude for his survival.
The crash left Pogacar with fractures to his C7, T1, and T2 vertebrae—critical areas of the spinal column—alongside the collarbone break. The concussion adds another serious concern for the elite rider’s recovery process.
A Survivor’s Perspective
In reflecting on the incident, Pogacar emphasized his fortune despite the gravity of his condition. “I’m just happy to be alive actually, or just to be standing,” the cyclist stated, capturing the severity of what could have been a career-threatening or life-altering accident.
Road to Recovery
With the season now behind him, Pogacar has set his sights on a return to competition in 2027. The injuries sustained represent a significant setback for one of cycling’s most dominant forces in recent years, forcing him to focus entirely on rehabilitation rather than racing objectives for the remainder of this campaign.