Matxin: "Tadej wanted to start over at all costs."

Tadej Pogačar was forced to withdraw from the 2026 Vuelta a España due to a nasty crash 32 kilometres from the end of the eighth stage (Puçol-Xeraco).

The Slovenian champion of UAE Team Emirates, who was wearing the red jersey as leader of the general classification, suffered injuries to his shoulder and face.

The team's general manager, Joxean Matxin Fernández, commented on the incident, explaining the dynamics and the rider's conditions.

The Spaniard revealed the Slovenian's great determination, held back only by the physical impossibility of continuing: " Tadej wanted to restart at all costs , but his arm was in too much pain and in the end we stopped him to be safe." Matxin then wanted to defend the overall strength of the group, rejecting the idea of ​​a team totally dependent on its captain: "Even without Tadej Pogačar's points and triumphs, UAE Team Emirates would still be the best team in the world . "