Tadej Pogacar provides 'Stayin Alive' update from hospital bed after being diagnosed with concussion and fractures following Vuelta Stage 8 crash
Published 30/08/2026 at 22:26 GMT+1
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Tadej Pogacar provided a brief update on his condition following the serious crash that forced him to abandon La Vuelta while in the race lead on Stage 8, as his hopes of completing the set of Grand Tours were dashed.
Pogacar injury left race 'wide open' and will cause 'unpredictable, chaotic, uncontrollable' drama
Video credit: TNT Sports
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider, who was looking to complete a full set of Grand Tour victories, was involved in a crash with 32 kilometres remaining of the 171km stage from Pucol to Xeraco.
Following treatment on the side of the road he was taken to hospital, after which his team provided an update on his condition.
Dr Adrian Rotunno, medical director of UAE, confirmed Pogacar's condition after the 27-year-old underwent a thorough assessment following the incident.
"Unfortunately, Tadej suffered a heavy crash during today's stage and was unable to continue the race," Rotunno said.
"He is stable, and following a thorough medical assessment at hospital, Tadej has been diagnosed with a concussion, displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple abrasions. Fortunately, no other major injuries and no neurological fallout."
On Sunday, Pogacar took to Instagram from his hospital bed to post a picture of himself in a neck brace and with plasters on his hands and head.
Although likely to be in some pain, the Slovenian was able to accompany his post with the Bee Gees' 'Stayin Alive' - suggesting his sense of humour was in working order.
The incident came after the intermediate sprint at Simat de Valldigna, where Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) was first across the line, and as the fight for position intensified ahead of the climb.
The crash was particularly dramatic because the riders were not negotiating an obviously technical section of road. Several riders were caught up in the fall, but Pogacar appeared to be among the worst affected, going over his handlebars and immediately remaining on the ground.
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Watch: New angle shows rock that caused Pogacar to go over handlebars in Stage 8 crash
Video credit: TNT Sports
Although he looked keen to continue, his attempt to remount quickly showed that he was unable to do so, forcing the race leader to accept that his Vuelta was over.
His UAE team-mates quickly gathered around him, while race medical staff began treating the red jersey.
Pogacar had suffered multiple wounds, including deep cuts to his left shoulder and face. A cut around his eyebrow was also bleeding heavily, while he was seen holding his arm.
After several minutes of treatment, Pogacar managed to get to his feet but was unable to continue. He removed his helmet before having to sit down again as further medical checks were carried out.
With the race roughly 30 kilometres from the finish in Xeraco, the peloton eased its pace as riders waited for confirmation of Pogacar's condition. He was eventually taken into a race ambulance, confirming his abandonment after around five minutes of treatment.
The scale of the blow was magnified by the position Pogacar occupied before the crash. He had worn the red jersey since Stage 1 and entered Stage 8 with a 3'50'' lead over Enric Mas (Movistar) after seven days of racing.
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He had also already won three stages, leaving him in a commanding position as he pursued a first Vuelta title and the final Grand Tour victory missing from his collection.
Mas inherited the overall lead, with Pogacar's withdrawal coming on the eve of the Vuelta's first major mountain test.
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Highlights: Coquard wins crash-marred Stage 8 as Pogacar abandons
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Following the Vuelta, Pogacar was expected to defend his world road race title later in the season, meaning the nature of his injuries will now be closely monitored to determine whether he can return in time for the World Championships and the rest of his 2026 campaign.
For all his success, Pogacar has rarely been forced to leave a stage race unfinished. The Vuelta represented an opportunity to fill the only remaining gap in his Grand Tour record, but that pursuit has now been abruptly postponed.
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'Huge moment' - Pogacar suffers race-ending crash on Stage 8
Video credit: TNT Sports
This is his first abandonment in a Grand Tour and his first withdrawal from a stage race as a professional, with his previous DNF coming at Liege-Bastogne-Liege in 2023.
The Vuelta will therefore remain an unfinished chapter for Pogacar, who will have to return to Spain in another year if he is to complete the set of all three Grand Tour titles.
Stage 8 was won by Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) while new leader Mas refused to wear the red jersey on the podium as a mark of respect for Pogacar.
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