Tadej Pogačar Leaves Hospital Five Days After Vuelta Crash
Tadej Pogačar has left hospital and will now continue his recovery at home following the serious crash that ended his 2026 Vuelta a España campaign.
Five days after his heavy fall during Stage 8, the Slovenian champion was discharged from hospital in Barcelona after undergoing successful surgery on his fractured left collarbone.
Pogačar Leaves Hospital After Successful Surgery
Pogačar was initially taken to hospital following his crash during Stage 8 of La Vuelta.
Medical examinations revealed a displaced fracture of the left collarbone, a stable C7 cervical fracture and a concussion, alongside several cuts and bruises. His team reported that there was no neurological fallout.
He subsequently underwent successful surgery on his collarbone in Barcelona.
After several days of post-operative monitoring, Pogačar was cleared to leave hospital and continue his recovery away from the medical facility.
First Photo Gives Fans Positive News
Following his release, a new image of Pogačar appeared showing the four-time? No — five-time Tour de France winner recovering with his left arm in a sling.
The image offered fans their first clear indication that the Slovenian is now beginning the next phase of his recovery at home.
Despite the visible injuries, the latest reports suggest that his recovery is progressing as expected.
What Happened to Pogačar at La Vuelta?
Pogačar’s Vuelta campaign ended dramatically during Stage 8.
The Slovenian was leading the general classification by 3 minutes and 50 seconds when he crashed with roughly 30 kilometres remaining.
He was forced to abandon the race, bringing an abrupt end to his attempt to win the Vuelta and complete another major objective in his 2026 season.
His withdrawal also dramatically changed the race.
Enric Mas inherited the red jersey and subsequently strengthened his position at the top of the general classification.
Will Pogačar Race Again in 2026?
That remains the biggest question.
There is currently no official return date for Pogačar, and his participation in the upcoming World Championships remains uncertain.
The timing is particularly important because the World Championships are scheduled for later in September, leaving only a short period for Pogačar to recover from his injuries and return to full competitive fitness.
Recent comments from within the Slovenian cycling setup have also suggested that a return before the end of 2026 could be unrealistic, reinforcing the idea that Pogačar’s health will come before any racing target.
For now, however, the priority is rehabilitation rather than the calendar.
Pogačar’s Recovery Comes First
The latest development represents an important step forward.
After the crash, hospital treatment and successful surgery, Pogačar can now begin the next stage of his recovery at home under medical supervision.
The cycling world will be watching closely, but there is no reason to rush the process.
For one of the biggest stars in professional cycling, the goal now is a complete recovery rather than a quick retSPORTVIAX will continue to follow Tadej Pogačar’s recovery and provide the latest updates on his potential return to racing.
- Tadej Pogačar May Miss the Rest of 2026 After La Vuelta Crash
- Tom Pidcock reacts to Pogačar’s crash
- Finn Fisher-Black Defends Tadej Pogačar After La Vuelta Crash
- La Vuelta 2026 Stage 10 results
- Matxin Makes It Clear: Tadej Pogačar’s Recovery Comes Before the World Championships
