Tadej Pogačar to Undergo Surgery After Crash at the Vuelta
The Slovenian suffered a displaced left clavicle fracture and a stable C7 fracture after a fall near Valencia; the collarbone operation is planned but delayed because of a concussion.
Tadej Pogačar will undergo surgery after a heavy crash during stage 8 of the Vuelta a España, team doctors confirmed. Initial reports were optimistic, but detailed medical examinations later revealed multiple injuries that require operative treatment.
The Slovenian rider suffered a concussion, a displaced fracture of his left clavicle and a stable fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), along with numerous abrasions. Medical staff reported there are no neurological deficits resulting from the crash.
Medical plan and season outlook
Because of the clavicle fracture with displacement, Pogačar is scheduled for surgery on the collarbone. The operation will not be performed immediately; it has been postponed as a precaution because of his concussion. He will remain under the care and observation of the UAE Team Emirates medical staff until further notice.
The crash occurred 32 kilometres from the finish of the eighth stage near Valencia, on the section run between Pusol and Heraco. According to accounts from the scene, the Slovenian star struck a stone on the left side of the road, lost control and was thrown forward over the handlebars.
The medical director of UAE Team Emirates, Adrian Rotuno, after the hospital examination said the injuries were serious enough to require surgery and offered an update on Pogačar’s condition: "Unfortunately, Tadej suffered a heavy crash during today's stage and was unable to continue the race. His condition is stable."
Team officials added: "We will publish more information after the surgery." At this stage, the most likely outcome for Pogačar is that his season will be over.
Photo: press material from the event
