Race leader Tadej Pogacar has abandoned the Vuelta a Espana after crashing during stage eight.

The world champion, who was looking to complete a full set of Grand Tour victories, crashed with about 33km to go.

Pogacar, 27, was riding in the midst of the peloton when he came off his bike, hurting his left shoulder and cutting the left side of his face.

The Slovenian appeared to try and get back on his bike before sitting back down again.

He then walked unaided into an ambulance to mark the first time he has abandoned a Grand Tour.

The six-time Grand Tour winner was on course to win all three of the sport’s biggest stage races, having already won five Tours de France and a Giro d’Italia.

The overwhelming favourite to win the three-week long race had started the stage three minutes and 50 seconds clear of the rider in second place.

More to follow.