Race leader Tadej Pogacar pulls out of Spanish Vuelta after crashing during Stage 8

Tadej Pogačar abandoned the Vuelta a España on Saturday after crashing during Stage 8 near Xeraco, Spain, ending his bid to win all three Grand Tours. The five-time Tour de France champion led by 3 minutes, 50 seconds over Enric Mas before the 171-kilometer stage from Puçol to Xeraco. He crashed near the finish, received roadside medical attention, and could not continue. Race organizers and UAE Team Emirates-XRG confirmed his withdrawal. Reports said he appeared to have injured his left shoulder and arm, but the severity of those injuries was not independently confirmed. Pogačar had won the Tour de France in July and the Giro d’Italia in 2024. He was seeking his first Vuelta title after debuting in the race in 2019. His withdrawal reshaped the overall standings and ended his attempt to join the small group of male riders who have won all three Grand Tours. The Vuelta is scheduled to conclude in Granada on September 13.