Overview
- Pogacar crashed while leading the Vuelta and was forced to abandon the race after a heavy fall that removed the pre‑race favourite from contention.
- Team doctors diagnosed him with a concussion, a displaced fracture of the left clavicle, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple abrasions.
- After a concussion-related delay, he underwent successful left clavicle surgery on Monday and will remain in hospital for a few days for post‑operative monitoring.
- The team says he will then travel home to begin recovery and rehabilitation under UAE Team Emirates' medical staff, but it has not given a definitive return timetable.
- Pogacar's withdrawal hands the red jersey to Enric Mas, has changed general classification tactics in the Vuelta, and makes it unlikely he will defend his world road race title in late September.