Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar says he is "just happy to be alive" two months after suffering three fractured vertebrae in a crash during the Vuelta a Espana.
The 28-year-old Slovenian was ruled out for the rest of the 2026 season after the August crash. Initial diagnosis revealed a broken collarbone and a C7 neck fracture, but further scans in Slovenia showed additional fractures to the T1 and T2 vertebrae. Pogacar also suffered a concussion that left him struggling with dizziness, nausea, and poor coordination, leaving him unable to shower without assistance in the weeks that followed.
The injuries forced Pogacar to miss the World Championships in Montreal, where he would have defended his rainbow jersey. He described the early recovery period as mentally difficult, saying he was "not a fun person to be around" until rehabilitation and indoor training improved his mood.
Pogacar reports he now has no discomfort and can do most normal activities, though he must avoid heavy lifting with his left arm and protect his neck. His team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, confirmed he will not race again until 2027 to ensure a full recovery without a fixed timeline.
Looking ahead, Pogacar aims to return next year with a more cautious mindset, acknowledging the severity of his crash: "If I crash again on the bike now, it can be very problematic. It's a bit scary, to be honest, to think about it."
