Doctor Warns Tadej Pogačar Against Premature Return After Injury

Tadej Pogačar, who recently won three stages of the Vuelta a España, suffered a non-displaced fracture of the C7 vertebra in a crash during the event. His agent has suggested that he could return to competition in four weeks for the world road race championships, where he is a two-time defending champion.

Pogačar is scheduled for surgery in Barcelona, after which the recovery timeline will be clearer. His agent expressed hope that positive news from the surgery could allow Pogačar to compete in upcoming events, including the European championships and Il Lombardia.

However, sports doctor Tom Teulingkx has raised concerns about the risks of returning too soon, emphasizing the potential for serious complications if Pogačar were to fall again. He noted that the recovery from a cervical vertebra fracture typically takes three to six weeks, and the presence of additional injuries, such as a concussion and a fractured collarbone, complicates the situation further. Teulingkx advocates for caution to ensure Pogačar's long-term health and safety.