The crash was even worse: Pogacar is "simply happy to be alive."

Der SpiegelIndependentCenterOct 31

Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar has disclosed the severe extent of his injuries sustained during a crash at the Vuelta a España, revealing that he suffered two additional broken vertebrae beyond the initially diagnosed C7 fracture. In an interview with The Athletic, the 28-year-old described a period of deep depression and physical incapacity, noting that he required assistance for basic tasks like showering due to debilitating dizziness. Although he recently won his fifth Tour de France, the subsequent crash led to weeks of recovery where he felt completely numb and depressed. Pogačar expressed relief at being alive and currently reports no pain while maintaining fitness through swimming and jogging, though he remains cautious with heavy lifting. He used the platform to criticize cycling safety standards, urging race organizers to eliminate dangerous road features such as potholes and roundabouts in final kilometers.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses exclusively on medical recovery and athlete quotes regarding sports safety, containing no political framing or partisan language.

n-tvIndependentCenterOct 31

Cycling star Tadej Pogačar has revealed that his injuries from a crash during the Vuelta a España in late August were more severe than initially diagnosed. He disclosed suffering three vertebral fractures, including one in the cervical spine and two in the upper thoracic spine, alongside a concussion and a broken collarbone. These additional spinal injuries were identified via a recent CT scan in Slovenia, leading him to withdraw from the European Championships, World Championships, and the Tour of Lombardy. Pogačar described a difficult recovery period marked by balance issues, dizziness, and depressive feelings, though he is now training again without physical pain. While expressing fear regarding the severity of his trauma, he criticized race organizers for safety hazards such as poor road surfaces and obstacles in final kilometers. He stated his intention to return to the Vuelta next year to complete his Grand Tour victories.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses exclusively on medical diagnoses, personal recovery experiences, and standard athlete commentary on course safety, lacking any partisan framing or political agenda.