Pogacar reportedly set to miss rest of 2026 season after Vuelta crash

The Slovenian is not expected to return for the World Championships, European Championships or Il Lombardia, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Ciro Scognamiglio.

Scognamiglio reported that sources had indicated Pogačar would not race again this year, with confirmation from UAE Team Emirates-XRG now believed to be the only thing still missing.

The news would bring an early end to a season that took a dramatic turn during stage 8 of the Vuelta a España.

Pogačar crashed at high speed with 32 kilometres remaining after hitting a large rock at the side of the road. Although he initially tried to continue, his injuries eventually forced him to abandon the race.

Medical examinations later revealed a concussion, a displaced fracture of his left collarbone, a stable fracture to the C7 vertebra and several abrasions. His team said there was no indication of neurological damage or any other major injuries.

Pogačar underwent surgery on his collarbone on Monday after doctors cleared him following the initial stages of his concussion recovery. UAE subsequently confirmed that the operation had been successful.

Team medical director Dr Adrian Rotunno said the procedure had gone as planned, after which Pogačar remained in hospital for observation.

The world champion has since been discharged from Hospital Dexeus in Barcelona and is continuing his rehabilitation at home.

Even before reports emerged that his season was over, Pogačar's participation in the World Championships had appeared highly uncertain.

The men's road race in Montréal is scheduled for September 27, giving him only a matter of weeks to recover from surgery as well as the other injuries sustained in the crash.

UAE manager Mauro Gianetti had already played down the chances of Pogačar defending his rainbow jersey, saying that a return in time for Montréal appeared unlikely while leaving open the possibility that his condition could improve.

Slovenian national team doctor Krištof Knap went a step further, describing a return for the World Championships as unrealistic. With Pogačar recovering from both the collarbone operation and a cervical fracture, Knap stressed that there should be no pressure to accelerate the rehabilitation process simply to make the start line in Canada.

“It isn’t realistic, however much we might want it,” Knap told RTV SLO. He added that Pogačar's long term health had to take priority over any sporting objective, arguing that a complete recovery without rushing the process was now the most important consideration.

That assessment now appears to have been overtaken by events, with reports from Italy suggesting Pogačar will not race again this season.