5-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar ends season after injury, extends contract

SIERRA DE LA PANDERA, Spain (AP) — Tadej Pogacar has confirmed his season is over after his heavy crash in the Spanish Vuelta and that he extended his contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG for another two years through 2032.

The five-time Tour de France winner’s decision to end his season rules out a defense of the world championship title he won in 2024 and 2025.

“Of course, this isn’t the way I wanted my season to finish. Right now, the most important thing is to recover properly and give my body the time it needs,” Pogacar said in a statement issued by his team.

“It has been a season with many special moments and I’m proud of what we achieved together. Now I’ll focus on getting healthy, supporting the guys from home, and coming back next year ready for what’s ahead.”

The team said its medical director concluded there would be no benefit in Pogacar rushing back to competition as he works on a rehabilitation program.

Pogacar underwent surgery on his left collarbone Monday, two days after his crash on the eighth stage of the Vuelta.

Until then, he had a big lead and was favorite to complete a hat trick of cycling’s three Grand Tours. The team said at the time he had a concussion and two fractures and Pogacar posted a picture from the hospital showing himself in a neck brace.

Pogacar’s contract extension could see him spend 13 years with the team he joined in 2019.

“There is still a lot I want to achieve in this sport and I believe this is the right place to do it,” he said. “I’m very grateful for the trust the team has shown in me and excited about what we can continue to build together.”

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