UAE Team Emirates-XRG is waiting for medical evaluations before deciding whether Tadej Pogacar can compete in the upcoming World Championships after a serious crash forced him to abandon the Vuelta a España.
The cycling world was left stunned during Stage 8 when the reigning world champion crashed heavily near the finish. Pogacar suffered injuries to his face and shoulder after hitting the ground at high speed. The incident immediately raised concerns about both his condition and the remainder of his season.
Team manager Joxean Matxin said the squad would wait for a full medical diagnosis before making any decisions about Pogacar’s future race schedule. He stressed that it was too early to determine whether the Slovenian star would miss the World Championships.
According to team officials, the accident happened after Pogacar encountered a rock on the road during the final section of the stage. The unexpected obstacle caused him to lose control and crash heavily. Witnesses reported that he landed on his face and left shoulder, leaving him in visible pain.
Despite the severity of the fall, Pogacar initially attempted to continue. However, it quickly became clear that his injuries were too serious for him to remain in the race. Medical personnel and team staff attended to him at the roadside before he was transported to a hospital for further examination.
The crash brought an abrupt end to what had been another highly anticipated campaign for one of cycling’s biggest stars. Pogacar entered the Vuelta as one of the leading contenders and had attracted significant attention from fans and rivals alike.
Matxin was among the first members of the team to reach the rider after the accident. Speaking after the stage, he described the difficult moments following the crash and said the rider’s condition made continuing impossible.
He explained that Pogacar was determined to keep racing despite the pain. However, discomfort in his shoulder quickly became the main concern. Team staff noticed that he struggled to move his arm and required support while trying to stand.
Medical attention was also needed for facial injuries. Pogacar suffered a cut near his eyebrow and experienced significant bleeding immediately after the crash. Although team officials indicated that the wound itself was not especially large, it required treatment and added to concerns about his overall condition.
The emotional impact of the incident was clear throughout the UAE Team Emirates-XRG camp. After learning that their leader could not continue, the remaining riders abandoned any effort to compete for the stage result.
Instead, the seven support riders stayed together and crossed the finish line as a group. Their arrival came more than 11 minutes after the stage winner, reflecting the disappointment felt throughout the team following the loss of their captain.
Observers noted the emotional scenes among riders and staff after the finish. Several team members appeared devastated as they processed the sudden end of Pogacar’s race. The Slovenian has become one of the sport’s most successful and popular riders, making the incident particularly difficult for teammates and supporters.
Matxin described the crash as an unfortunate part of professional cycling rather than the result of any mistake by a rider or team. He said accidents can happen in the sport despite careful preparation and attention to safety.
Attention has now shifted to Pogacar’s recovery and the results of medical examinations. Team officials are expected to review hospital reports before deciding on the next steps. Those findings will likely determine whether the rider can return to competition this season.
The World Championships remain one of the most important events on the cycling calendar, and Pogacar would normally be considered among the leading favorites. However, his participation now depends entirely on the extent of the injuries sustained during the crash.
For now, UAE Team Emirates-XRG is focused on supporting its star rider while awaiting a full medical assessment. The team has made it clear that no decision regarding future races will be taken until doctors complete their evaluations.
The Tadej Pogacar Injury Update remains the biggest talking point at the Vuelta a España, with fans across the cycling world hoping that the world champion’s injuries are not serious enough to keep him away from the sport’s major events later this season.
