An unexpected movement while trying to dodge a stone caused him to lose control of the bicycle and crash face-first into the ground, a fall that resulted in a fractured clavicle and another in a cervical vertebra, as well as a traumatic brain injury and multiple abrasions. A fall, that of Tadej Pogacar, 27 years old, that took him out of the Vuelta a España when everything was set for him to be crowned and close the circle, as he was leading with a minute advantage and it was only a matter of time before he was crowned in the three grand tours. But it could not be, nor will he be able to complete the season, a calendar he longed for like few others.
Pogacar had three dates marked on his brow before the season ended. On September 27, the World Championship in Montreal, where he intended to win his third consecutive rainbow jersey (matching Sagan, the only one who won three in a row, Binda, Van Steenbergen, Merckx, and Freire); on October 4, the European Championship, which this year is held in Ljubljana, the capital of his Slovenia; and the Lombardy, the Monument he likes the most and has won the most times, having done so five times, uninterrupted since 2021. This was explained by the UAE medical director, Doctor Adrián Rotunno, who assessed the cyclist’s progress after surgery as positive. However, he noted that the combination of injuries suffered led to the decision, together with the rider, not to compete anymore this year.
“The rider acknowledged that this was not the way he wanted to end his campaign, but he pointed out that the most important thing now is to recover properly and give his body the necessary time to heal. Despite this, he highlighted that he has experienced many special moments during the year and showed pride in what he has achieved alongside his teammates. Over the next few months, he will focus on his recovery, follow the team from home, and prepare his return for the next season,” the UAE team states.
But not all news is bad for the cycling genius, as UAE renewed his contract until 2032—his previous contract ended in 2030—to double down and, in the process, make Pogi a one club man, since he started as a professional within the team in 2019. “Pogacar has been a fundamental figure in the development and growth of UAE Team Emirates-XRG,” said the general manager and top team official, Mauro Gianetti, who added: “The absolute priority is his health.” Therefore, the Slovenian will get in shape and tone up in Monte Carlo, where he resides, until he returns next season.
