Overview
- Pogacar crashed heavily while holding the Vuelta lead on Aug. 29 and was reported with a concussion, a displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 vertebra fracture, and multiple abrasions.
- He underwent successful surgery on his fractured clavicle on Aug. 31 and posted early recovery updates from hospital in the days that followed.
- On Sept. 5 UAE‑Emirates announced he will not race again in 2026 and confirmed a contract extension that keeps him with the team through the end of the 2032 season.
- The team said Pogacar will miss the World Championships in Montreal on Sept. 27, the European Championships in Slovenia in early October, and the Tour of Lombardy in October as he focuses on rehabilitation.
- The decision secures UAE‑Emirates’ long‑term plan around their five‑time Tour de France winner while opening chances for other riders to lead in the late‑season races and setting recovery and a 2027 comeback as the immediate priorities.