Tadej Pogacar has abandoned the Vuelta a Espana after crashing during stage eight, ending his bid to complete victories in all three Grand Tours. The Slovenian world champion was the overwhelming race favourite and his withdrawal opens up the contest for the overall red jersey, while also raising uncertainty over his ability to defend his world title next month.

Pogacar crashed with about 33km remaining, injuring his left shoulder and suffering cuts to the left side of his face; he walked unaided to an ambulance. He began the stage leading Enric Mas by three minutes and 50 seconds, and the abandonment is his first from a Grand Tour. France’s Bryan Coquard won the stage after another crash on the finishing straight, while Pogacar remains on six Grand Tour victories, including five Tours de France and one Giro d’Italia.