Tadej Pogačar Reveals Undiagnosed Spinal Fractures From Vuelta a España Crash
Cyclist Tadej Pogačar sustained two additional broken vertebrae during his heavy crash at the Vuelta a España, bringing his total spinal fractures from the accident to three, according to an interview published by The Athletic. The Slovenian rider discovered the extra injuries two weeks prior to the interview during a follow-up CT scan in Slovenia, having previously known only about a fracture to his C7 neck vertebra. The new scans revealed breaks in the T1 and T2 upper thoracic vertebrae located directly beneath the neck.
Alongside the three fractured vertebrae, Pogačar suffered a broken left collarbone and a concussion during the August 29 crash. The initial weeks following the incident proved arduous due to physical symptoms from the concussion, which included nausea, dizziness, and coordination difficulties. In an interview with The Athletic, Pogačar described a routine post-recovery walk to a nearby ice cream shop where physical exertion and warmth triggered heavy sweating and exhaustion, forcing him to rush back home.
Mental Health Struggles During Recovery
The recovery process took a severe mental toll on the multiple-time Grand Tour winner during the first two weeks at home. Pogačar admitted that he felt depressed and struggled with a complete lack of emotional response, noting that he was difficult company for his partner, professional cyclist Urska Zigart.
The physical and mental stagnation lasted for weeks, with his recovery scores remaining at absolute zero for days while he rested on the couch. According to reporting from In de Leiderstrui, it took four weeks for his heart rate metrics to normalize, with improvement arriving only after he resumed movement on an indoor trainer and began daily sessions with his physiotherapist.
Criticism of Race Safety and Infrastructure
Reflecting on the dangers of modern professional cycling, Pogačar pointed to inadequate course management and dangerous road furniture at various events. Comparing smaller stage races to the Tour de France, where police presence and route cleaning are strictly managed, he highlighted the risks posed by excessive traffic calming measures. He stated that race organizers must avoid poor road surfaces, sharp turns in the final 500 meters, potholes, and speed bumps on the approach to finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Tadej Pogačar crash in the Vuelta a España?
Pogačar crashed on August 29, suffering a broken collarbone, a concussion, and initial spinal injuries that later required surgical treatment.
Which vertebrae did Pogačar break?
Medical imaging revealed fractures to his C7 neck vertebra as well as the T1 and T2 upper thoracic vertebrae located directly below the neck.
How did Pogačar discover the additional spinal fractures?
The extra breaks in his T1 and T2 vertebrae were discovered during a follow-up CT scan in Slovenia two weeks prior to his interview with The Athletic.
What other injuries did the Slovenian cyclist sustain?
In addition to his three fractured vertebrae, Pogačar broke his left collarbone and suffered a concussion that caused dizziness, nausea, and coordination issues during his early recovery.
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