Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar has withdrawn from the Vuelta a España after sustaining multiple injuries in a crash during Stage 8 of the race on Saturday. The U.A.E. Team Emirates-XR6 rider, who entered the stage with a commanding overall lead of 3 minutes and 50 seconds over Movistar’s Enric Mas, suffered a concussion, a displaced fracture of his left clavicle, a stable fracture of the C7 vertebra, and several abrasions.

The incident occurred with approximately 20 miles remaining in the stage, shortly after the intermediate sprint in Simat de la Valldigna, Spain. Pogacar, positioned about 20th in the peloton at the time, reportedly attempted to avoid a stone in the road, which led to the crash. Several other riders, including Ben Tulett of Visma-Lease a Bike and the Netcompany-Ines duo Oscar Onley and Carlos Rodriguez, were involved but appeared uninjured.

This marks Pogacar’s first race withdrawal since a wrist fracture forced him out of the 2023 Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Despite a history of crashes and narrow escapes from serious injury over recent years—including incidents at the 2022 Tour de France, 2024 Giro d’Italia, Strade Bianche, Paris-Roubaix, and Milan-Sanremo—the Slovenian had largely avoided prolonged absences from competition.

Joxean Fernandez Matxin, U.A.E.’s sports manager, described the crash as an unfortunate but inherent risk of professional cycling. He noted that although the initial reaction was to continue, Pogacar’s pain, particularly in his shoulder, led the team to decide that he could not safely proceed. “All he said was, ‘Only pain, only pain,’” Matxin said.

Pogacar is known for his strategic positioning near the front of the peloton, which typically allows him to avoid hazardous situations, as well as his expert bike handling that often mitigates the severity of crashes. George Bennett, a former teammate, attributed Pogacar’s resilience to these factors, adding that his ability to choose safe landing spots has prevented worse outcomes in past incidents.

Following the crash, medical director Adrian Rotunno confirmed that Pogacar had no additional major injuries or neurological impairments but will require surgery for his clavicle fracture. The operation has been postponed to prioritize recovery from the concussion.

The timing of Pogacar’s withdrawal raises questions about his participation in the upcoming world championships in Montreal later this month, where he was aiming for a third consecutive rainbow jersey as reigning world champion. Matxin indicated that further decisions about Pogacar’s competitive schedule will depend on medical evaluations in the coming days.

Despite the setback, Matxin expressed confidence in the team’s resolve and support for Pogacar during his recovery, emphasizing the motivation the rider has instilled in his teammates through his previous successes.