BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar underwent successful surgery on his left collarbone on Monday following a crash over the weekend, his UAE Team Emirates team said.
Pogačar broke two bones on Saturday after losing control when a stone rolled across the road during the eighth stage of the Vuelta a España. He attempted to remount his bike following the crash but was unable to continue and walked to an awaiting ambulance. He withdrew from the race.
Dr. Xavier Mir performed the operation at Dexus University Hospital in Barcelona.
“The procedure went well, and he will remain in the hospital for post-operative monitoring for a few days,” team doctor Adrian Rotunno said in a statement.
Before the crash, Pogačar held a commanding lead in the Vuelta and was heavily favored to become the ninth male rider in history to win all three Grand Tours.
The Slovenian’s next scheduled event is the world road championships from Sept. 20 in Montreal, where he hopes to compete for a third consecutive title if his recovery allows.
Meanwhile, the Vuelta resumes on Tuesday following Monday’s rest day, with a 187-kilometer (116-mile) stage between Alcaraz and Elche de la Sierra. It wraps up in Granada on Sept. 13.
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