Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian rider for UAE Team Emirates, faced a brutal setback after a crash at Liège–Bastogne–Liège last weekend. The incident left him with a fractured wrist and forced him to withdraw from the storied one-day race. In the wake of the crash, he publicly congratulated Remco Evenepoel, the race winner, and expressed confidence that Evenepoel would keep pushing his own limits in the races to come.
Speaking about the ordeal, Pogačar described the challenge of riding through pain and expressed relief that the injury was limited to a broken wrist rather than something more severe. He also reflected on how the crash could have been far worse and extended heartfelt concern for Mikkel Honoré, who was involved and suffered more serious injuries, wishing him a swift and full recovery.
Pogačar Falls and Leaves Liège–Bastogne–Liège
The Slovenian rider underwent surgery at Ghent University Hospital and received an overwhelming wave of support from fans, teammates, and medical staff. As a two-time Tour de France champion, he conveyed appreciation for the messages of encouragement and praised the medical teams for their care during a challenging moment. The episode underscored the inherent dangers of professional cycling and the resilience demanded to return to competition after a setback.
He highlighted the meaningful support from fans, family, friends, the UAE Team, and hospital staff, a testament to the close-knit nature of the cycling community. The gratitude and determination to resume racing in the future remained strong, even as he confronted the immediate hurdle of recovery. The public response reinforced the sense of camaraderie that surrounds the sport and the optimism that accompanies a determined return to competition.
The incident sparked questions about Pogačar’s schedule in the weeks ahead. Medical briefings indicated a healing window of roughly four to six weeks, a period that would shape his path back to peak form. He also took a moment to acknowledge Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian world champion who claimed victory at Liège–Bastogne–Liège. The exchange carried warmth and mutual respect, signaling that the rivalry between these elite cyclists would continue when the timing was right. The moment carried a light, playful note as well, with a friendly wink signaling good-natured competition and the enduring tension that fuels one of road racing’s most watched rivalries.
In addition to the broken wrist, Pogačar sustained multiple cuts on his hand. Medical updates suggested he would miss an altitude training camp with UAE in Sierra Nevada, planned for early May. That setback could shape his road back to top form ahead of the Tour de France, as riders often use such camps to sharpen fitness and test strategies in high-altitude conditions. The overall assessment emphasized a measured, careful return to racing rather than a rapid recovery, prioritizing long-term health and sustained performance over immediate results.