Pogačar confirms season is over.

From rumors to official: Tadej Pogačar will not return for the World Championships, European Championships, and the Il Lombardia. Confirmation came from his team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG.

Pogačar crashed with 32 kilometers to go last Saturday during the eighth stage of the Vuelta a España, which he was dominating.

Medical tests later confirmed a concussion, a fractured left clavicle, a fractured C7 vertebra, and several abrasions.

Pogačar underwent surgery on his collarbone on Monday and was then discharged from the hospital in Barcelona to continue his rehabilitation at home.

The Road World Championships in Montreal are scheduled for September 27th. This is far too close to a date to recover from surgery and the other injuries sustained in the accident. Pogačar's racing calendar also included the European Championships in his native Slovenia on October 4th and the Il Lombardia on October 10th.

Team CEO Mauro Gianetti had already downplayed the chances of Pogačar defending his rainbow jersey, saying a return in time for Montreal seemed unlikely.

Slovenian national team doctor Krištof Knap went further, calling a return to the World Championships unrealistic. With Pogačar recovering from both collarbone surgery and a cervical fracture, Knap emphasized that there should be no pressure to rush the rehabilitation process simply to get to the starting line in Canada.

Sources from Gazzetta dello Sport had already reported the Slovenian's suspension this morning.

Meanwhile, UAE has announced the contract renewal with the world champion until 2032.

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