Tadej Pogačar's World Championship status uncertain after Vuelta crash

Tadej Pogačar’s participation in the upcoming UCI Road World Championships in Montréal is in doubt following a serious crash during the Vuelta a España. The Slovenian rider underwent surgery for a broken collarbone and is also managing a concussion and cervical vertebrae injuries.

Cycling legend Eddy Merckx has advised Pogačar to use “common sense,” suggesting that his neck injuries will likely prevent him from competing on September 27. While UAE Team Emirates has not officially ruled him out, team leadership noted that his recovery from a concussion will be the deciding factor.

Experts and fellow riders suggest that Pogačar’s potential absence would significantly change the dynamics of the World Championships, making the race more unpredictable and opening opportunities for competitors such as Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and Mads Pedersen.