Leader Pogacar abandons Vuelta after crash

Tadej Pogacar, the race leader, abandoned the Vuelta a Espana after crashing during stage eight, approximately 33km from the finish. The 27‑year‑old Slovenian was riding in the peloton when he fell from his bike, sustaining an injury to his left shoulder and a laceration to the left side of his face. He attempted to remount before sitting down again, then walked unaided into an ambulance, marking the first time he has abandoned a Grand Tour. Pogacar, a six-time Grand Tour victor, had been aiming to complete a sweep of the sport’s three major stage races, having already won five Tours de France and a Giro d'Italia. Entering the stage as the overwhelming favourite, he held a lead of three minutes and 50 seconds over the rider in second place. More to follow.