The Vuelta loses its star rider, Tadej Pogacar crashes and retires.

XERACO – A flat stage led to Tadej Pogacar's exit from the Vuelta after a crash 38 km from the finish line, forcing him to retire. This year's dominant rider seemed poised to celebrate his overall victory, but instead, according to Davide Cassani in a post, he was caught dead when a rock struck his front wheel. Clear helicopter footage showed him skidding and crashing to the ground, knocking out other riders. After the hard impact on the asphalt, the Slovenian was rescued and was taken to an ambulance. He attempted to get back on the bike, but due to obvious injuries to his left arm and shoulder, he was forced to give up, becoming the first Vuelta general classification leader to fall and retire from the race since Igor Anton in 2010. This is the first time Pogacar has retired from a stage race and also the first time he has fallen in a race since Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2023. The Slovenian suffered a fractured and dislocated left collarbone. His participation in the Road World Championships is at risk. The new Vuelta leader, Enric Mas (Movistar), is the first Spaniard to win La Roja since Jesus Herrada in 2018. However, Enric Mas himself performed a great act of sportsmanship and respect towards Tadej Pogacar. Having become the new leader, he climbed onto the podium but chose not to wear the Red Jersey, simply holding it in his hand as a sign of closeness and respect for the Slovenian.