Tadej Pogacar underwent successful surgery on his left clavicle on Monday after a crash forced him to abandon the Vuelta a Espana while leading the race.
The Slovenian’s bid to win the only Grand Tour to have eluded him ended 30 km from the finish of stage eight from Pucol to Xeraco.
“This afternoon, Tadej underwent successful surgery on his left clavicle after receiving the all-clear to proceed with the operation,” Adrian Rotunno, medical director of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, said in a statement.
“The procedure went well and he will remain in hospital for post-operative monitoring for a few days.”
Pogacar’s crash was a major blow to the Vuelta, which he had led from the opening stage and appeared on course to win ahead of the finish in Granada.
The injury also casts doubt over his participation in the world road championships in Quebec at the end of September.
“When ready, Tadej will travel home to begin his recovery and rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff,” Rotunno said. “We will continue to monitor his progress closely throughout the recovery process.”
Pogacar won his fifth Tour de France title last month and also claimed the Giro d’Italia in 2024. He had been targeting a place among the select group of riders to complete the hat-trick of cycling’s three Grand Tours.
