Pogačar's crash raises doubts over season goals and opens La Vuelta race

Tadej Pogačar abandoned the Vuelta a España on Saturday after a crash that resulted in surgery on his collarbone and a fracture to a vertebra. The injuries may require several weeks of recovery, potentially ending his season and preventing him from competing at the World Championships in Montréal, the European Championships in Slovenia, and a bid for a record-breaking sixth Il Lombardia victory.

"It could be several weeks," a source close to the rider said, noting that the exact timeline will become clear once Pogačar leaves the hospital.

The incident, caused by a loose stone on the road, left Pogačar with limited control as he went over the bike and collided with a Visma-Lease a Bike rider. While his handling skills are widely praised, the crash adds a significant setback to his campaign.

Pogačar’s withdrawal also reshapes the Vuelta’s general-classification battle. Current leader Enric Mas has defended the red jersey, but several contenders, including Richard Carapaz, Primož Roglič, and Oscar Onley, remain in contention as the race enters its final mountain stages.

"If four-time winner Primož Roglič stays where he is in the standings for the individual time trial, then he's going to be dangerous too," a commentator noted.

With two weeks of racing left, the competition is expected to intensify as riders vie for the overall win.