“He, too, must use his common sense" - Eddy Merckx warns Tadej Pogacar not to rush into World Championships after Vuelta crash and surgery
CyclingThursday, 03 September 2026 at 13:13
Tadej Pogacar's remaining 2026 plans were thrown into doubt on Saturday after he suffered a heavy crash at the Vuelta a Espana. Not only did it end his red jersey dream, but his end-of-season goals were also thrown into doubt as the UAE Team Emirates- XRG leader underwent surgery.
Now that he's gone under the knife successfully and returned home to recover from a broken collarbone, C7 vertebrae and concussion, the cycling world speculates on whether he will ride again this season.
Much attention falls on the September 27th World Championships road race - a goal Pogacar had circled in his attempt to win a third rainbow jersey. With now just over three weeks until the race, many have raised doubts on whether Pogacar will - or should - take to the start line.
Cycling legend Eddy Merckx, who Pogacar joined as a record five-time Tour de France champion in July, has weighed in on pogacar's crash. Noting that even the best suffer setbacks, he feels that his neck vertebrae injury will stop him from competing at the World Championships.
Tadej Pogacar
Pogacar must use common sense
“It shows that it can happen to the very greatest. He, too, must use his common sense. In my opinion, the injury to his neck vertebrae will prevent him from being able to ride the World Championships,” he told Le Soir.
UAE have not officially ruled out a World Championships participation for Pogacar, but have poured cold water on the suggestion since his Vuelta fall. Other goals for the rest of the season that may still be possible for Pogacar include the European Championships and Il Lombardia in October.
Meanwhile, Merckx has had his own health problems since suffering a fall from his bike in December 2024. Since then, he has underwent surgery nine times after breaking his hip.
Merckx has underwent surgery nine times since fall
“That is something, isn’t it. And then there were bowel problems, which were unrelated but did contribute to the worry about my health.”
“Things are finally getting better now, but there is still a lot of work to be done in the rehabilitation. Especially regarding walking, which is currently doable but remains difficult. I also need a handrail to be able to go up the stairs.”
He added: “I feel like I am not making any progress, while the doctors and my family say otherwise. The medical staff gives me a lot of confidence. That is very important mentally.”
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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