Tadej Pogacar's season over - UAE leader won't return until next season as World Championships ruled out after surgery
Cycling
Tadej Pogacar will officially not race again in the 2026 season following his crash at the Vuelta a Espana. Undergoing surgery earlier this week on a broken collarbone, Pogacar also sustained a concussion and fractured C7 vertebrae in a brutal fall that ended his red jersey bid.
Enjoying a phenomenal season before his crash, the UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider found himself in the red jersey as he looked to add a Vuelta general classification win to his Tour de France title in July. He also took victories in Milano Sanremo and Tour of Flanders among other dominant performances.
La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Ciro Scognamiglio reported that Pogacar will not race until next year and that his 2026 season is over. The journalist reports that a team communication is imminent confirming the news.
Soon after, UAE confirmed the news in a statement. Pogacar said: “Of course, this isn’t the way I wanted my season to finish. Right now, the most important thing is to recover properly and give my body the time it needs.
"It has been a season with many special moments and I’m proud of what we achieved together. Now I’ll focus on getting healthy, supporting the guys from home, and coming back next year ready for what’s ahead.”
It had been speculated that Pogacar could attempt to defend his World Championships rainbow jersey on September 27th, while before the crash he had also lined up goals such as the European Championships and Il Lombardia to round out his season.
Info @Gazzetta_it - About @TamauPogi, sources confirmed us that the scenario is season 2026 over for the world champ, only missing official communication by the team @cycling_podcast
— Ciro Scognamiglio (@cirogazzetta) September 5, 2026
Pogacar's injuries after crash
But with a complicated list of injuries, Pogacar was released from hospital mid-week still sporting bandages and with his arm in a sling. The Montreal championships are now just over three weeks away, making a participation particularly unlikely.
In an interview this week, Slovenian team doctor Kristof Knap eased speculation of an impending fitness race for Pogacar - pointing to the physical ramifications of rushing his recovery.
“It isn’t realistic, however much we might want it. Ultimately, Tadej is only human, and he has to live with this body for the rest of his life," Knap said in an interview with RTV SLO.
Full rehabilitation now the focus
"The most important thing is that he rehabilitates fully, without rushing the process," Knap added.
Pogacar crashed on last Saturday's stage 8 with about 32 kilometers left to go. Riding in a calm bunch, Pogacar appeared to hit a stone, leading to him losing control and falling. In the immediate aftermath, Pogacar got back on his feet and intended to continue before his injuries became apparent and he was hospitalised.
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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- Yeah man...PogiSloFans07-11-2026
- any rider less than 25 whether they are really ready for the position of leadership of GT is probably not the case. I think Pogi himself suffered when he was defeated by Jonas in the TDF twice. But that would be the team's job to ensure support so that they can bounce back. It requires a team and time to get back up and win after getting knocked down.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I'm very glad he got the big late Quickstep Vuelta win and I hope he has a few left for Euskaltel-Euskadi.flyer07-11-2026
- My memories of Ivan Basso aren't good but I liked his sister Elisa ok.flyer07-11-2026
- I'm picking .... .... Never mind 🫥flyer07-11-2026
- If Tiberi has a better and more consistent 2027 I somehow doubt it will be because of this victorious warning. Unless his preparation has been off, cycling isn't football.flyer07-11-2026
- Love this guy. He is such a pure racer.mij07-11-2026
- Fair enough. Everyone’s entitled to one and I respect yours! Nothing wrong with being a one week and GT guy if that’s his vibemij07-11-2026
- LOL...it's a predetermined finish ! N one is 'clashing' at these exhibition crits!frieders307-11-2026
- Surely the UCI and the race organisers have a responsibility to ensure the best medical care is available to riders when incidents like this happen. All very well pushing for global expansion but not so good if riders lives are put at risk because medical support is not up to scratch.Andy12306-11-2026
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