Pogacar to have surgery on broken collarbone after horrific Vuelta crash

Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar has withdrawn from the Spanish Vuelta after a crash on Saturday. Pogacar suffered a concussion, a displaced left clavicle fracture, and a stable C7 cervical fracture when his bike hit a stone on the road, causing him to lose control. The clavicle fracture will require surgery, though it will be delayed due to concussion precautions. Pogacar was leading the Vuelta and was favored to win, which would have completed a hat-trick of Grand Tour victories. The incident occurred approximately 33km from the finish of the eighth stage.

Tadej Pogacar, the overwhelming favorite and overall leader of the Spanish Vuelta, has withdrawn from the race following a crash during the eighth stage. The incident occurred approximately 33 kilometers from the finish, and despite attempting to continue, Pogacar was unable to do so and was taken to an ambulance. Race organizers confirmed his withdrawal. Pogacar, who had a significant lead, was aiming to win all three Grand Tour races. The crash, which appeared to injure his left arm and shoulder, happened as he swerved to avoid something on the road. Enric Mas of Movistar now leads the race, expressing sympathy for Pogacar's situation.