Tadej Pogačar Won’t Race Again in 2026 and Montréal Worlds Is Suddenly Wide Open

Tadej Pogačar will not race again this season as he continues his recovery from the devastating crash that ended his Vuelta a España.

UAE Emirates-XRG confirmed Saturday that the world No. 1 will focus entirely on rehabilitation after suffering a fractured collarbone and other injuries in last weekend’s high-speed crash.

The decision ends speculation over whether the two-time defending world champion might return for the UCI Road World Championships in Montréal later this month.

“Of course, this isn’t the way I wanted my season to finish. Right now, the most important thing is to recover properly and give my body the time it needs,” Pogačar said Saturday.

“It has been a season with many special moments and I’m proud of what we achieved together. Now I’ll focus on getting healthy, supporting the guys from home, and coming back next year ready for what’s ahead.”

Pogačar’s season ends after victories at Milan-San Remo and a record-tying fifth Tour de France, as well as three stage wins during a dominant opening week at the Vuelta.

Health comes first as UAE sets no return date

UAE Emirates-XRG said it made the decision with Pogačar after consulting its medical and performance staff. The team has set no timetable for his return.

Medical director Dr. Adrian Rotunno said Pogačar was progressing well after surgery but that the combination of concussion, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and an open clavicle fracture ruled out a return this season.

“From a medical perspective, his health is paramount, and the priority now is to allow each of these injuries to heal fully and to progress through his rehabilitation in a controlled manner,” Rotunno said.

“There is no benefit in accelerating that process simply to meet a racing deadline. Removing the pressure allows Tadej to focus entirely on his recovery, with the objective of returning to full training and competition when he is completely ready.”

Pogačar left a Spanish hospital Wednesday after undergoing surgery on his displaced left collarbone.

The 27-year-old crashed during stage 8 of the Vuelta last Saturday. Medical examinations also revealed a C7 cervical fracture, concussion, and extensive cuts and abrasions. UAE confirmed he suffered no neurological damage.

Renowned Catalan trauma surgeon Dr. Xavier Mir — who’s treated top soccer players and MotoGP riders — led Monday’s operation.

Implications reach across the peloton

Pogačar’s exit marked the first major stage-race DNF of his career and came while he held a formidable grip on the red leader’s jersey. Victory would have made him only the ninth rider to win all three men’s grand tours.

Pogačar’s decision to sit out the rest of the season carries major implications across the sport.

At the Vuelta, Enric Mas now leads going into Saturday’s 14th stage and could become the first Spanish winner since Alberto Contador in 2014 while delivering Movistar its first grand tour victory since 2019.

Pogačar was also the overwhelming favorite to win a record-tying third consecutive rainbow jersey in Montréal. His absence dramatically improves the prospects of Remco Evenepoel, Mads Pedersen, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and the rest of the contenders.

He will also miss the chance to chase history at Il Lombardia. Pogačar claimed his fifth consecutive victory in 2025, matching Fausto Coppi’s record of five career wins. A sixth title this October would have made him the race’s outright record holder.

Pogačar will also sit out the European championships in Slovenia, denying him the chance to race for the continental title on home roads.