Tadej Pogacar, who was dramatically forced to withdraw from the Vuelta a España on Saturday after a heavy fall, has shared a photo of himself from hospital accompanied by the Bee Gees’ song Stayin’ Alive. Pogacar, the clear leader of the Vuelta until his crash, greeted followers on his Instagram account with a photo showing him in a hospital bed wearing a neck brace. The Slovenian five-time Tour de France winner could also be seen with a plaster near his right eyebrow, as well as on his right hand, which he held in his usual gesture of raising his index finger and little finger.
The UAE Team Emirates rider soundtracked the photo with the 1977 upbeat disco anthem, appearing to be in good spirits as he awaits surgery on his collarbone. Pogacar crashed on Saturday during the eighth stage of the Vuelta, just over 30km from the finish line in the Valencian town of Xeraco, a stage that was initially expected to be transitional. The 27-year-old had been leading by a massive 3min 50sec a week into the race, and was the overwhelming favourite for victory in his attempt to complete a career clean sweep of the three Grand Tours.
According to the medical report provided by his team, Pogacar was “diagnosed with a concussion, displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple abrasions”. UAE’s statement added that there were “fortunately, no other major injuries and no neurological fallout”. The team has not specified how long Pogacar will be out of action, but it seems unlikely he will be fit to defend his world title in late September in Canada.
The race continues on Sunday with a 187.5km mountainous ride from Villajoyosa to a summit finish at Alto de Aitana, before a rest day on Monday. This report will update after stage nine of the Vuelta
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