Five-time winner of the Tour de France and top contender, Tadej Pogacar, withdrew from the Spanish Vuelta following a crash in the eighth stage. Despite leading the race, the Slovenian cyclist was involved in a crash about 33 kilometers from the finish line. Pogacar attempted to continue but ultimately had to abandon the race and seek medical attention. This decision was confirmed by race officials.

Pogacar, representing UAE Team Emirates, aimed to achieve a rare feat by winning all three Grand Tour races. Having secured victory in the Tour de France for the third consecutive time and claiming the Giro d’Italia in 2024, he had set his sights on the Vuelta. Unfortunately, his pursuit was cut short by the unfortunate incident.

Footage from the race showed Pogacar sustaining injuries to his head, left arm, and shoulder. Following the crash, he lost control of his bike, resulting in a tumble that caused him to hit his head and shoulder. The team’s sports manager, Matxin Joxean Fernandez, mentioned that Pogacar received stitches for his injuries, including his eyebrow.

Despite initially expressing a desire to continue racing, Pogacar’s physical discomfort forced him to withdraw from the Vuelta. Fernandez acknowledged the unpredictable nature of cycling accidents and emphasized the importance of prioritizing Pogacar’s health and recovery.

Enric Mas of Movistar inherited the lead position from Pogacar after Saturday’s stage, with a significant time gap. Mas became the first Spanish rider to lead the race since 2018. The 31-year-old racer opted not to wear the leader’s jersey immediately, citing the circumstances of Pogacar’s crash.

Pogacar’s absence from the Vuelta leaves the door open for other contenders, with the race set to conclude in Granada on September 13. This unexpected development marks Pogacar’s first abandonment in his ten Grand Tour appearances, having consistently achieved top-three finishes in the past.