Il Nuovo Postiglione - Cycling superstar Pogacar has surgery after Vuelta crash

"Tadej underwent successful surgery on his left clavicle after receiving the all-clear to proceed with the operation," UAE Team said after the surgery was delayed due to Pogacar suffering concussion from the fall.

"The procedure went well and he will remain in hospital for post-operative monitoring for a few days."

The five-time Tour de France winner will then "travel home to pursue his recovery and rehabilitation under the supervision of the team's medical staff", the statement added.

The team did not specify how long Pogacar will be out of action, but it seems unlikely the 27-year-old Slovenian will be fit to defend his world title in late September in Canada.

Pogacar crashed on Saturday during the eighth stage of the Vuelta, just over 30 kilometres from the finish line in the Valencian town of Xeraco, a stage that was initially expected to be transitional.

He had been leading by a massive three minutes and 50 seconds a week into the 21-day race and was the overwhelming favourite for victory in his bid to complete a career clean sweep of the three Grand Tours.

According to the medical report provided by his team on Saturday, Pogacar was "diagnosed with a concussion, displaced left clavicle fracture, a stable C7 cervical fracture, and multiple abrasions".

UAE's statement added that there were "fortunately, no other major injuries and no neurological fallout" and the following day Pogacar posted a good-natured selfie from his hospital bed accompanied by the Bee Gees' song 'Stayin' Alive'.

Q.Bernardi--INP