Pogacar to miss rest of season after Vuelta crash

Five‑time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar has announced that he will not compete for the rest of the 2026 season after sustaining a series of injuries during the Vuelta a España. The Slovenian rider suffered a fractured neck, along with additional damage to his shoulder and lower back, during the race’s final stage. Medical reports indicate that the neck fracture required immediate surgical intervention and a lengthy rehabilitation period.

Pogacar’s withdrawal comes at a time when his team, UAE Team, is recalibrating its roster for the remaining classics and WorldTour events. The rider’s absence will be felt most acutely in the upcoming Paris‑Nice and the Giro d’Italia, where he was expected to be a key contender. The team’s directeur sportif confirmed that Pogacar will focus on recovery and will not return to racing until his doctors clear him.

The decision underscores the severity of Pogacar’s injuries and the importance of long‑term health for elite cyclists. While the rider’s season is over, he remains a central figure in the sport, and his team will be monitoring his progress closely as they prepare for the next racing calendar.