Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar will not race again this season, his UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad confirmed, following a severe crash at the Vuelta a Espana last month that left him with multiple injuries, including a neck fracture.

The 27-year-old Slovenian star crashed out of the Vuelta’s eighth stage while in a dominant position as race leader. The accident not only ended his bid to complete a career Grand Tour sweep – adding the Vuelta to his single Giro d’Italia victory and five Tour de France wins – but also brought a premature end to his 2024 campaign.

A season cut short for the reigning champion

Pogacar’s injuries are extensive, requiring surgery for a broken collarbone. He also suffered a concussion, a “stable” fracture in his neck, and multiple abrasions. The decision by UAE Team Emirates-XRG to sideline him for the remainder of the year aims to allow for a full recovery “without placing a timeline on his return to competition,” according to a statement from the team.

The enforced break means Pogacar will miss several high-profile events where he was a reigning champion or a strong contender:

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• The World Championships in Montreal, where he was due to defend his rainbow jersey and attempt a third consecutive title later this month.

• The European Championships in Ljubljana, scheduled for October, where he was also the defending champion.

• Il Lombardia, the final one-day Monument race of the season, which he was set to defend.

“Of course, this isn’t the way I wanted my season to finish,” Pogacar stated in a release from UAE Team Emirates-XRG, as reported by BBC Sport. “Right now, the most important thing is to recover properly and give my body the time it needs.”

Long-term commitment despite setback

Despite the significant setback, the commitment between Pogacar and his team remains strong. UAE Team Emirates-XRG announced that Pogacar has agreed to a two-year contract extension, solidifying his future with the squad until 2032. This long-term deal underscores the team’s faith in their star rider as he embarks on his recovery.

“It has been a season with many special moments and I’m proud of what we achieved together,” Pogacar added. “Now I’ll focus on getting healthy, supporting the guys from home, and coming back next year ready for what’s ahead.”

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