Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar pulled out of the Spanish Vuelta after crashing during the eighth stage on Saturday. The Slovenian, who led the race by 3 minutes, 50 seconds, got caught in a crash 33 kilometers from the finish and walked to an ambulance after failing to continue. Pogacar sustained cuts to his head, left arm, and shoulder, requiring stitches in his eyebrow.

UAE Team Emirates confirmed he abandoned the race, marking his first withdrawal in 10 Grand Tours. The crash allowed Enric Mas of Movistar to take the red jersey, becoming the first Spanish rider to lead the Vuelta since 2018. Mas declined to wear the leader's jersey in post-stage ceremonies, stating it was not a 'good feeling' to gain it through a crash.

The 171-kilometer flat route from Puçol to Xeraco offered sprinters a chance, with Bryan Coquard claiming stage victory. Pogacar's main rival Jonas Vingegaard is also absent from the Vuelta after crashing during this year's Tour de France. The race concludes in Granada on Sept. 13.