Pogacar 'just happy to be alive' two months after Vuelta crash

Tadej Pogacar says he is "just happy to be alive" two months after a crash left him with three fractured vertebrae. The 28-year-old Slovenian, a five-time Tour de France winner, came off during the Vuelta a Espana in August. The Vuelta is one of cycling's three Grand Tours, the three-week stage races held each year.

The fractures are in his C7, T1 and T2 vertebrae, which are bones in the neck and upper back, according to BBC Sport. He also needed surgery on a broken collarbone and suffered concussion, a knock to the head that affects the brain. In the weeks that followed he had dizziness, nausea and poor co-ordination. He could not shower by himself and needed help from the team doctor.

Looking back on the fall, Pogacar said: "It's a bit scary, to be honest, to think about it," as quoted by Velo.

The crash ended his season. He was attempting to add the Vuelta title to his one Giro d'Italia win and five Tour de France wins, which would have completed the set of Grand Tour titles. He also missed the World Championships in Montreal, so he could not defend the rainbow jersey that goes to the world champion.

His team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, said he will not race again until 2027, so he can return to full health. That means the next time fans see him in a race, it will be more than a year after the crash.

For a rider known for attacking on the steepest climbs, the first goal is simply recovery. Pogacar's own words sum up the mood: after a fall that could have been far worse, he is focused on being well again.