Tadej Pogacar underwent successful surgery on his fractured left collarbone following a crash during the eighth stage of the Vuelta a Espana on Saturday. The 27-year-old Slovenian, a six-time Grand Tour winner, sustained multiple injuries in the fall, which occurred approximately 30 kilometers from the finish line in the town of Xeraco, Valencian Community, Spain.

Pogacar’s team, UAE Team Emirates, reported that he suffered a concussion, a displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple abrasions to his left shoulder and face. He was initially hospitalized in Valencia before being transferred to Barcelona for surgery. The operation was postponed briefly as a precaution due to the concussion but was completed successfully on Monday.

Following the procedure, the team stated that Pogacar would remain under hospital observation for several days before returning home to begin his recovery and rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. The organization did not specify the expected duration of his absence from competition.

Pogacar had been a dominant force in the race, holding a commanding lead of nearly four minutes just one week into the 21-stage event. His withdrawal marked his first-ever abandonment in a Grand Tour and ended his ambitions of completing a career sweep of cycling’s three major tours. Prior to the crash, the stage was considered a transitional one, making the incident somewhat unexpected.

The injuries sustained have cast doubt on Pogacar’s ability to defend his world championship title at the UCI Road World Championships scheduled for late September in Montreal, Canada. Additionally, his participation in the European Championships in Ljubljana in October, where he is the reigning champion, now seems unlikely.

Despite the setback, Pogacar posted a lighthearted selfie from his hospital bed shortly after the crash, signaling a positive attitude during his initial recovery phase. His team confirmed there were no further major injuries or neurological complications following the accident.

The situation remains fluid as Pogacar begins rehabilitation, with his future racing calendar uncertain based on the severity of his injuries and recovery progress.