Tadej Pogačar Withdraws from 2026 Vuelta a España Following Crash

Tadej Pogačar withdrew from the Vuelta a España on Saturday after a significant crash occurred with under 35 kilometers left in stage 8.

The five-time Tour de France champion fell during a collision involving multiple cyclists and was seen holding his shoulder in distress. Visible injuries included blood on his left shoulder, and the cause of the crash remains unclear.

As officials from UAE Emirates-XRG attended to Pogačar, the peloton slowed down. He was later transported by ambulance, and race officials confirmed his exit from the 2026 Vuelta. Pogačar had been leading the race since the opening stage in Monaco and had won three of the six completed stages. Following his crash, Enric Mas, who was in second place, became the virtual race leader, significantly altering the competition's dynamics.