Tadej Pogačar ends 2026 season after crash, targets 2027 return

Tadej Pogačar will not race again in 2026. UAE Team Emirates-XRG ended the Slovenian’s season early after the crash that forced him to abandon stage 8 of the Vuelta a España. The team says he underwent surgery and will follow a structured rehabilitation program, with no public date established for his return to competition.

The distinction matters: his absence for the rest of the year is confirmed, while any 2027 schedule remains speculation.

Why Pogačar will not race again in 2026

In a statement published on September 5, UAE Team Emirates-XRG said the decision followed consultations with its medical and performance staff. The stated aim is to give the rider enough time to return to full health without the pressure of meeting a racing deadline.

According to medical director Adrian Rotunno, Pogačar sustained a concussion, a stable C7 cervical fracture and an open clavicle fracture. Rotunno said his post-surgery progress was satisfactory but explained that the fractures would require a structured rehabilitation period. The rider would also need to move carefully through a graduated concussion protocol with ongoing neurological monitoring.

Clearance to increase his training load will depend on being medically recovered and personally ready. The statement does not say when that will happen.

What happened at the Vuelta a España

The crash occurred on stage 8, held over 171 kilometers from Puçol to Xeraco. According to the Vuelta’s official report, Pogačar went down at high speed shortly before the ascent of Puerto de Barx.

He tried to get back on his bike but had visible injuries to his left arm and shoulder. He then walked to the ambulance and abandoned the race. He was the overall leader at the time. Enric Mas took the red jersey, while Bryan Coquard won the stage.

The organizer noted that this was Pogačar’s first abandonment in a stage race and the first time he had crashed out of a race since Liège–Bastogne–Liège in 2023.

Is a 2027 comeback confirmed?

Pogačar has stated his intention to return next year, but that is not confirmation of a particular race or date. Neither the rider nor the team has announced where he will begin his 2027 season.

The official position is limited to a process dependent on medical assessment, rehabilitation and the rider’s own readiness. Reports linking him to specific races should therefore be treated as provisional until they appear through official team or race channels.

His contract provides continuity through 2032

Alongside the season-ending announcement, UAE Team Emirates-XRG confirmed that Pogačar had extended his contract through the end of 2032. He has been part of the organization since 2019 and said he sees the team as the right place to continue pursuing his sporting goals.

The long-term agreement makes clear that the interruption is medical, not a split between rider and team. Its duration, however, does not determine his comeback schedule or replace the need for future medical clearance.

How to follow reliable updates

Until a new announcement is issued, three points are firm: Pogačar abandoned the Vuelta after his crash, he will not compete again in 2026, and he remains under contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG through 2032. A 2027 season debut, a return to training or an appearance at any particular race still requires confirmation.

Medical circumstances and racing calendars can change, so readers should check the team’s statements and official race pages before treating any date as final.