Overview
- UAE Team Emirates confirmed that Tadej Pogacar has ended his 2026 season and will not start the world road race in Montreal as he recovers from injuries sustained in a Vuelta crash.
- Team medical information says Pogacar suffered a fractured clavicle that required surgery, a concussion, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple cuts and bruises.
- The Slovenian had been carrying a near four-minute lead in the Vuelta and was the overwhelming favourite to add the Spanish Grand Tour to his recent Tour and Giro successes before he crashed and abandoned the race.
- Team medical director Adrian Rotunno said Pogacar is progressing after surgery but that the decision to stop racing this year was taken jointly with the rider on medical grounds.
- Pogacar's exit forces UAE Team Emirates to shift tactics in the Vuelta and hands rivals a clear opportunity for overall victory, and a team notice about a contract extension appeared in coverage but contained conflicting details.