Tadej Pogacar 'Happy to Be Alive' After Scary Crash Left Him with Three Fractured Vertebrae

Five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar has opened up about the terrifying crash that left him with three fractured vertebrae, saying he is 'just happy to be alive' two months on. The Slovenian cyclist, widely considered one of the sport's greatest talents, suffered the injuries in a high-speed fall that could have ended far worse. Pogacar's candid remarks offer a rare glimpse into the mental and physical toll of professional cycling, where a split-second incident can change everything. His recovery will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike, as the 26-year-old aims to return to the form that has already delivered five Tour titles. For now, the focus is on healing—and gratitude. 'When you go through something like that, you realize what really matters,' he said. The cycling world waits to see when its brightest star will race again.