“There is absolutely no pressure for Tadej to return to racing this year”: UAE's boss Mauro Gianetti puts Tadej Pogacar’s recovery above everything after Vuelta crash

Tadej Pogacar's 2026 season has ended in the most unexpected way, but UAE Team Emirates - XRG is already looking beyond the setback. After the Slovenian was forced to abandon the Vuelta a España following a serious crash, team CEO Mauro Gianetti has made it clear that there will be no rush to get his star rider back on the bike.

Pogacar crashed during stage 8 of the Vuelta while wearing the red jersey and firmly in control of the race. He had already won three stages and held a 3:50 advantage over Enric Mas, with Primoz Roglic a further minute behind. The crash, around 32 kilometres from the finish, brought his bid for the only Grand Tour missing from his palmarès to an abrupt end.

The injuries were significant. Pogacar suffered a displaced fracture of his left clavicle, a stable fracture of the C7 vertebra, a concussion and multiple abrasions. He subsequently underwent successful surgery on his collarbone in Barcelona and was discharged from hospital as his recovery began.

With Pogacar's 2026 campaign officially over, the immediate focus has shifted away from racing altogether. The World Championships in Montréal, the European Championships in Slovenia and Il Lombardia were all among the major targets remaining on his calendar, but none will now feature the five-time Tour de France winner.

UAE's boss Mauro Gianetti made it clear that the team does not want Pogacar to rush his recovery. “There is absolutely no pressure for Tadej to return to racing this year,” Gianetti said in an official statement shared by the team.

“His health and recovery are the priority. He has given an enormous amount throughout the season and now the right decision is for him to take the necessary time to recover fully. We look forward to having him back with us when he is ready.”

Team's doctor also explained why Pogacar should take it easy and not race until 2027. “The post-operative clavicle and cervical fracture will both require a structured period of rehabilitation. Equally important is the need for him to progress carefully through a graduated concussion recovery protocol, with ongoing neurological monitoring."

Pogacar's season had been immaculate until the crash. The Slovenian had already collected 22 victories in 2026, including a record-equalling fifth Tour de France, before arriving at the Vuelta with the opportunity to complete the set of Grand Tour victories. UAE had also entered the Spanish race in remarkable form, with the team's overall tally reaching 67 victories in August.

His fifth Tour victory was itself historic, moving him alongside Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain on five overall victories.

Alongside the confirmation that his 2026 season is over came another major announcement: Pogacar has extended his contract with the team until 2032. “Tadej has been central to the journey and development of this team, and we are extremely proud that this relationship will continue through 2032,” Gianetti said.

The previous long-term agreement, announced in 2024, tied him to UAE through 2030. Pogacar joined UAE Team Emirates as a 20-year-old in 2019 and has effectively grown alongside the project, reaching the impressive number of 130 professional wins so far.