Tadej Pogačar Reveals How Decision Not to Select Girlfriend Urška Žigart Played a Role in His Olympic No-Show
In a candid interview following his absence from the 2024 Paris Olympics, Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar opened up about the tough decisions he faced in the lead-up to the Games. One of the most surprising revelations came when Pogačar admitted that a significant factor in his decision to not compete in the Olympics this year was his inability to select his girlfriend, fellow professional cyclist Urška Žigart, for the Slovenian national team.
Pogačar, known for his impressive victories in Grand Tours such as the Tour de France and his dominance in one-day races, shocked the cycling world when he announced that he would not be part of the 2024 Olympic cycling roster. This was particularly notable given his stature in the sport and his potential to add another prestigious medal to his collection. However, his absence had less to do with personal injury or a lack of preparation, and more to do with the dynamics surrounding the Slovenian cycling team selection process.
In his conversation with reporters, Pogačar revealed that the decision was influenced not only by his own competitive priorities but also by the feeling that the Slovenian cycling federation’s selection criteria did not adequately reflect his vision for the team. Pogačar expressed his frustration with the decision to not include Urška Žigart, a talented and rising star in women’s cycling, in the Olympic squad. Žigart had been overlooked despite her stellar performances in races leading up to the Olympics.
“I always strive for the best for my country and for my team,” Pogačar explained. “I believe that every athlete should have the opportunity to compete at the highest level, and I have always supported Urška in her career. When I found out that she would not be selected for the Olympics, it was a really hard pill to swallow. We have worked so hard together, and I truly believe she deserved the chance to represent Slovenia.”
The Strain of Olympic Selection Criteria
The selection process for national Olympic teams is a complex and often contentious one, with a variety of factors influencing who makes the cut. In the case of Slovenia, which has emerged as a powerhouse in cycling over the last decade, the competition for spots on the Olympic roster was fierce. With Pogačar already an established leader and a favorite for gold in the men’s race, the stakes were high for the women’s side as well, where Žigart had been performing strongly in European and international events.
For Pogačar, the thought of competing in the Olympics without his partner by his side seemed almost impossible. The couple had been through so much together, supporting each other through their respective careers, and he felt that not having Žigart on the team would create an imbalance in his personal and professional life.
“I felt like it would be incomplete. We’ve shared so many highs and lows, and the idea of her not being there with me at such a prestigious event like the Olympics just didn’t feel right,” Pogačar continued. “In the end, I made the decision to not race in Paris, and that was influenced by the feeling that the team selection didn’t reflect our collective efforts and aspirations.”
The Importance of Team Dynamics
Cycling, while often thought of as an individual sport, is deeply intertwined with team dynamics. Pogačar has consistently emphasized the importance of teamwork in his victories, whether it’s relying on his teammates in the Tour de France or supporting his fellow Slovenian riders in international competitions. For him, the Olympics represented an opportunity to showcase not only his individual talent but also the strength of Slovenian cycling as a whole.
“I didn’t want to go to Paris and race with the feeling that we weren’t united as a team,” Pogačar stated. “If Urška wasn’t going to be there, I felt that it would be hard to achieve the kind of result I was aiming for. We’ve been through so much together, and I felt that her absence would weigh heavily on my performance.”
Žigart, who has been a key part of Slovenia’s growing cycling presence, had garnered attention for her performances in the 2023 season, with strong finishes in the women’s WorldTour and her breakthrough results in major races. However, despite these achievements, the Slovenian cycling federation opted to overlook her for the Olympic selection, which sparked controversy both in Slovenia and beyond.
“Urška’s results speak for themselves. She has been one of the most consistent and talented riders in the women’s peloton,” Pogačar said. “For me, it was hard to understand why she wasn’t selected. I truly believe she deserved the opportunity to race in Paris, and her exclusion from the team was a major factor in my decision.”
A Unified Approach to Success
In the aftermath of the selection decisions, Pogačar and Žigart have remained a strong unit, with Pogačar reaffirming his commitment to his girlfriend’s future in the sport. Both riders continue to train together and provide each other with support, whether on the road or in their personal lives. While the disappointment of not being able to race in Paris remains, Pogačar’s dedication to his relationship and his belief in Žigart’s potential have only grown stronger.
“I know what Urška is capable of,” Pogačar said with pride. “She is one of the best riders in the world, and I will continue to support her no matter what. I hope that in the future, she will get the recognition and opportunities she deserves, and maybe we’ll have the chance to race together in the Olympics in the future.”
Despite his absence from the 2024 Olympic Games, Pogačar has made it clear that his career is far from over. The 25-year-old remains one of the top riders in the world, and many believe that his future in the sport is incredibly bright. With his focus now on future races, including the Tour de France, he has emphasized his commitment to Slovenian cycling and his desire to help elevate the sport in his home country.
A Message to Young Athletes
For Pogačar, his decision to step back from the Olympics was not just about personal preference but also about sending a message to younger athletes. He believes that his decision to prioritize the cohesion of the team and his commitment to his partner will help inspire others to recognize the importance of unity, both in sport and in life.
“I hope that my decision can send a message to young athletes, not just in cycling but in any sport,” Pogačar reflected. “It’s important to stay true to your values and to support the people who matter to you. If we want to succeed as a team, we need to be there for each other, and that’s what I hope to show the next generation of cyclists.”
The decision to step back from the 2024 Paris Olympics was a difficult one for Tadej Pogačar, but it reflected his commitment to his personal and professional values. His decision not to race in Paris, due in part to the exclusion of Urška Žigart from the Slovenian Olympic team, has highlighted the sometimes complicated nature of team selection and the intricate balance between personal relationships and career ambitions.
As Pogačar moves forward, fans and fellow athletes alike are eagerly awaiting his next race, confident that his decision to miss the Olympics will only fuel his drive to continue dominating the cycling world in the years to come.
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