Tadej Pogacar has already undergone surgery after the heavy crash he suffered last Saturday at the Vuelta a España, which forced him to abandon the race while wearing the red jersey. The Slovenian was operated on Monday for his left collarbone and, according to UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s medical report, the procedure was successful.
The team’s medical director, Adrian Rotunno, confirmed the rider’s progress after the operation: “This afternoon, Tadej underwent successful surgery on his left clavicle after receiving the all-clear to proceed with the operation. The procedure went well and he will remain in hospital for post-operative monitoring for a few days".
The team also explained that, once discharged, Pogacar will return home to begin recovery and rehabilitation under the supervision of the UAE Team Emirates-XRG medical staff.
"When ready, Tadej will travel home to begin his recovery and rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. We will continue to monitor his progress closely throughout the recovery process,” added Rotunno.
Tadej Pogacar in hospital
A crash that ended his Vuelta
Pogacar had to abandon the Vuelta a España last Saturday after a spectacular crash during stage 8, between Puçol and Xeraco. The Slovenian was catapulted over his bike and, after receiving medical attention, was taken to hospital for further tests.
The initial diagnosis confirmed a concussion, a displaced fracture of the left collarbone, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple abrasions. The team stated at the time that there were no other major injuries or neurological impairment.
Collarbone surgery had to be delayed initially due to precautions related to the concussion. Once doctors gave the go-ahead, Pogacar was able to undergo the operation.
A completely different phase now begins for the reigning Tour de France champion. There is still no official date for his return to competition, so any decision on his schedule will depend on how he progresses over the coming weeks.
Worlds, Lombardia, or a return in 2027?
The big question is whether Pogacar can race again before the end of 2026. His late-season targets included the World Championships in Montreal on the 27th September and Il Lombardia on the 10th of October. He was also slated to ride the European Championships in Slovenia.
As of today, however, there is no confirmation he will start any of those races. The team itself has avoided setting timelines and is now focused entirely on the Slovenian’s recovery.
The evolution of the collarbone fracture, recovery from the concussion, and, especially, the status of the cervical injury will define the next steps. Pogacar will have to wait to know whether there is a realistic chance to return in time for Montreal Worlds or, conversely, whether his season is over and his comeback will come in 2027.
Juan LarraCycling Journalist
Juan Larra is a writer for Cyclinguptodate and editor-in-chief of Ciclismoaldia, where he has played a central role since its inception. Under his leadership, the website has become a trusted source for professional cycling coverage, offering in-depth analysis, news, and feature stories.
A sports journalist with over 20 years of experience, Juan earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Seville in 2007. He began his career covering a wide range of sports—including football, basketball, Formula 1, MotoGP, tennis, and cycling—for platforms such as the official La Liga app, Vodafone and Movistar websites, NBA Blogdebasket, and Cadena Cope, honing his skills in writing and editorial management.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Juan contributes to Cyclinguptodate and serves as editor-in-chief for the tennis-focused site Tenisaldia. Throughout his career, he has conducted exclusive interviews with cyclists and sports figures, provided detailed analysis of competitions ranging from local Spanish races to major international events, and acted as a special correspondent at prestigious races including Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France, and the Vuelta a España.
Juan’s combination of experience, expertise, and direct access to athletes has established him—and the platforms he leads—as authoritative voices in professional cycling.
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- I think other competitors also had great Tours, so it wasn't that Ferrand-Prévot necessarily failed in some way - it's more likely that the other top riders lifted their game and maybe also a bit of luck with no crashes, etc. It's the Tour de France after all. It's not meant to be easy to defend your title (the few exceptions like Pogacar prove the rule).Pogboom01-11-2026
- maybe we should put our cv at the end of each comment post ... same rights for all of us!Ketterechts01-11-2026
- hahah literally all it is. Glad im not the only one noticing, essentially this is just a blog as it is now. Run buy boys from their bedroom hehe Their very subjective aswell, people on twitter even said their pure visma fanboys, if you listen to Ruben silva guy pre TDF this year all he said turned out to be wrong and constantly fail to realize visma isnt where they was before roster wice or means to contest even RBH or Lidl anymore, ,very biased ppl and when you run ''news articles that way its problematic..miguel01-11-2026
- The new joke of the year in 2027: "If both guys (Pogi and Seixas) finish upright on their bikes and both don't get sick for some reason, I think Paul will fight Tadej to the end and will possibly beat him in 2027 at the Tour, yes, I just said that." ... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ...PogiSloFans01-11-2026
- Cutting his suit up and getting him to sign it while quite seriously injured is absolutely ghoulishwrsty01-11-2026
- 24 years old?Ketterechts01-11-2026
- Hey @frieder3, yeah sure, bull crap. What experience? You have no eyperience, you're an amateur cyclist... and to make things even worse, you're a lousy amateur cyclist. So what you're saying about your C7 has no relevance... do you even know where C7 is in your body? No, it's not in your knee!!! PS: Trump loves ya... 😍😍😍PogiSloFans01-11-2026
- He won't have a neck problem until he's older and arthritis kicks in lil guy !frieders301-11-2026
- Yep I find any way possible to not have other listen to Bob and VandeVelde commenting on a bike race. His annoying wrong predictions and irritating chuckle are mute worthy!frieders301-11-2026
- 20 winners for 3rd year in a row!Lozza31-10-2026
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