Pogacar set for collarbone surgery after Vuelta crash

Tadej Pogacar will require surgery on a broken left collarbone after a crash forced the world champion to abandon the Vuelta a Espana during Saturday's eighth stage. BBC Sport reported that Pogacar was taken to hospital after coming down with about 33 kilometres remaining, bringing his race to an abrupt end while he held the overall lead.

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UAE Team Emirates-XRG medical director Dr Adrian Rotunno said the 27-year-old also sustained a concussion, a stable fracture in his neck and multiple abrasions. According to the team's medical update reported by the BBC, tests found no other major injuries or neurological effects. His collarbone operation will be delayed because of concussion precautions, and the team said he remains under its medical care.

The crash happened while Pogacar was riding within the peloton. The Slovenian suddenly moved to his right, collided with another rider and was then struck from behind by several others, the BBC reported. He appeared to attempt to remount before sitting down again, then walked unaided into an ambulance. It was the first Grand Tour abandonment of his career.

Pogacar had started the stage three minutes and 50 seconds ahead of Enric Mas in the general classification. He entered the Vuelta seeking the only Grand Tour title missing from his record, having already won five Tours de France and one Giro d'Italia. Victory in Spain would have made him the ninth rider to complete the set of all three men's Grand Tours.

Mas inherited the race lead and now stands one minute and 11 seconds ahead of Felix Gall, with Primoz Roglic third at one minute and 33 seconds. The BBC reported that Mas did not put on the red leader's jersey during the podium presentation, instead holding it in front of him after expressing concern for Pogacar's recovery.

Bryan Coquard won the stage in a photo finish over Mads Pedersen, earning the French rider's first Grand Tour stage victory. Pogacar's team has not announced a recovery schedule or a date for his return, leaving his availability for upcoming races uncertain until further medical updates follow his surgery.