'We have a new race now' - Gall says Aitana reopens the Vuelta after Pogacar's crash

Felix Gall said the Vuelta a España has been reset by Tadej Pogačar's withdrawal, and that stage 9 to the Alto de Aitana will show who is capable of taking advantage.

Pogačar crashed with 32 kilometres to go on stage 8 into Xeraco, colliding with another rider on the approach to the Puerto de Barx. He was taken to hospital and diagnosed with concussion, a displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 cervical fracture and multiple abrasions. He had led the race since winning the opening time trial in Monaco and held a 3:50 advantage over Enric Mas.

"With Tadej crashing, it was quite a shock, or still is a bit," Gall told reporters, including Domestique. "It felt pretty unreal yesterday, and I wish him all the best for his recovery and hope he's soon back on the bike. It's part of cycling also, and today, I think it means we have a new race now. Everything is possible, or for a few riders there are big opportunities now."

Mas took over the red jersey without wanting it that way, declining to put it on at the presentation and holding it up instead. Movistar now carry the burden that UAE Team Emirates-XRG have shouldered all week, something Gall was quick to point out.

"It's up to Movistar to control the race. They have the red jersey. I think they waited for this opportunity for years, to have the chance to win a stage in the red jersey," he said. "Mainly it's up to them, and we are ready if we have to do something."

Decathlon CMA CGM have been the most willing team to force the pace at this Vuelta, driving on the Port d'Envalira in Andorra and again into the gravel climb before Castelló. Gall says they are in shape to do it again if required.

"We feel good, and we can also do some work today," he said.

Sunday's stage covers 187.4 kilometres from La Vila Joiosa with more climbing than any other day of the race, finishing on the 22-kilometre Alto de Aitana. Gall rates it accordingly.

"It's the queen stage, I would almost say, next to Granada. On paper, it's the stage with the most elevation gain," he said. "I think it will be with the final climb. Also, end of week one, everyone is getting a bit tired now. It's certainly one of the more important GC days."

He does not expect the racing itself to look very different without Pogačar in it.

"Maybe not so much, in the sense that yes, now everything is possible, that you can even win the stage. But I think we will see a big fight for the breakaway, and then teams controlling, and they are fighting with the breakaway, and we will see who wins."

Asked whether the overall is now his target, Gall would not go that far.

"Day by day. It's maybe a possibility now, but we are not even in week two."