A shocking turn of events at the Vuelta a Espana where, due to a simple crash just 38 kilometers from the finish of the eighth stage, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) was forced to withdraw.

The Slovenian, who hit the ground after the intermediate sprint won by van Aert (according to initial reports, due to a stone on the road surface), attempted to get back up but, because of the injuries sustained to his left shoulder and arm, had no choice but to throw in the towel, climbing into an ambulance and thus ending prematurely his bid for his first Vuelta victory and, consequently, the triple crown.

💥 Crash in the peloton and race leader Tadej Pogacar is on the ground!

🚨 Caída de Tadej Pogacar 😞 El líder de la carrera se ha ido al suelo y muestra gestos de mucho dolor #LaVuelta26 pic.twitter.com/449HaJXgQK

— La Vuelta (@lavuelta) August 29, 2026

His condition will obviously need to be assessed ahead of the end of the season, where, among World Championships, European Championships, and Lombardia, the native of Komenda had several important appointments scheduled: his calendar, however, will now depend on the results of the tests he will undergo in the coming hours. Meanwhile, as a sign of respect for what happened to the Slovenian, on the podium at the end of the stage Enric Mas (Movistar) refused to wear the red jersey that, at the moment of the crash, was firmly on the shoulders of his accomplished rival.

Updates to follow.