Tadej Pogačar Diagnosed with Fractures to Neck and Collarbone, Concussion

The UAE Emirates-XRG team of Tadej Pogačar has confirmed fractures to the world champion, who was forced to exit the Vuelta a España while leading overall Saturday.

Pogačar crashed close to the end of stage 8, apparently hitting a rock on the road. He was unable to continue and has now been diagnosed with heavy injuries.

“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 abrasion,” stated UAE Emirates-XRG medical director Dr. Adrian Rotunno. “Fortunately, no other major injuries and no neurological fallout.

“He will require clavicle surgery which will be delayed due to concussion precautions.”

The initial assessment from official Vuelta race doctors had already listed a possible acromioclavicular sprain or fracture, head trauma, plus a laceration above Pogačar’s left eyebrow.

However the full and exact nature of his injuries were not clear until after the hospital examination.

Earlier on Saturday, the English version of the Vuelta’s medical bulletin used the term “traumatic brain injury.” The original Spanish report listed “TCE,” short for “traumatismo craneoencefálico,” while the French version used “traumatisme crânien.”

Both are broader medical terms for head trauma, and the report did not specify the severity of the injury.

Pogačar underwent further examinations at the local hospital. UAE Emirates-XRG subsequently released an official update on his condition.

All three findings remained preliminary pending the further examinations at the hospital.

The 27-year-old crashed heavily on the left side of the peloton as the bunch raced toward the day’s final category 3 climb and expected sprint finish. Television images showed the world No. 1 hitting the road hard at high speed.

Pogačar tried to stand and immediately clutched his left shoulder before abandoning the race. He received treatment at the scene and was transferred directly to a local hospital, team officials confirmed to Velo.

“In the first moment he wanted to continue, but there was shoulder pain. It was a bad moment and it was obvious that he could not continue in the race,” UAE sport manager Joxean Fernández Matxín said. “He went directly to ambulance and now he’s with the doctor.”

The crash brought a shocking end to Pogačar’s first Vuelta appearance since 2019. He dominated the opening week, winning three stages and building a commanding lead in the red jersey.