We’ve all been waiting for the news, and here it is.
Tadej Pogačar has been diagnosed with a concussion, a displaced fracture of his left clavicle and a stable C7 cervical fracture after crashing out of the Vuelta a España on Saturday. It’s been a rough day for pro cycling.
Tadej Pogačar medical update
UAE Team Emirates-XRG medical director Dr. Adrian Rotunno provided an update following Pogačar’s assessment at hospital.
“Unfortunately, Tadej Pogačar suffered a heavy crash during today’s stage and was unable to continue the race. He is stable, and following a thorough medical assessment at hospital, Tadej has been diagnosed with a concussion, displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple abrasions. Fortunately, no other major injuries and no neurological fallout. He will require clavicle surgery which will be delayed due to concussion precautions. Tadej remains under the care of our medical team and we’ll provide further updates following the surgery.”
The crash
The world champ crashed with 33 km remaining in Stage 8. It was shortly after the day’s intermediate sprint. Pogi went over the handlebars and appeared to hit the ground heavily, suffering visible injuries to his head and shoulder. It seems, at this point, he hit a rock.
The peloton slowed after the crash, allowing the race leader to receive medical attention. Pogačar was eventually taken away by ambulance and was unable to continue.
The crash ended Pogačar’s Vuelta, where he had been leading the overall classification. Enric Mas inherited the race lead, although Saturday’s stage was still in progress at the time of the initial update.
Pogačar had been one of the favourites for the world championships in Montreal, which begin in September. He was seeking a third consecutive elite men’s road race world title.
This was also the world champion’s first-ever Grand Tour abandonment.
A total bummer and a reminder of just how brutal this sport can be. There are lots of questions: namely, the world championships in Montreal, in which he was going for a third rainbow jersey. It’s all a big ole TBD, but in the meanwhile, we should be reminded that things could always be worse.