Tadej Pogacar Withdraws from Paris Olympics, Citing Disgust Over Girlfriend’s Exclusion

Tadej Pogacar Withdraws from Paris Olympics, Citing Disgust Over Girlfriend’s Exclusion

In a stunning turn of events, two-time Tour de France champion Tadej PogacarΡ has announced that he will not compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics. The Slovenian cycling superstar, who was widely expected to be a key contender in the men’s road race, revealed that his decision to pull out was influenced by the exclusion of his girlfriend, fellow professional cyclist Urska Zigart, from Slovenia’s Olympic team.

Pogacar, known for his dominant performances in Grand Tours, expressed his dismay at the Slovenian cycling federation’s decision to leave Zigart off the Olympic roster. In a candid statement, Pogacar admitted that his feelings were “deeply hurt” and that the situation made him “disgusted.”

“One of the biggest reasons I decided not to race in the Paris Olympics is because of the way my girlfriend was treated,” Pogacar said. “Urska has worked incredibly hard, and I feel that the decision was unfair. It’s hard to focus on my own goals when someone I care about is being overlooked for something they truly deserve.”

Zigart, who has had a successful career in women’s cycling, has been a prominent figure in the sport and was expected to be a strong contender for Slovenia at the Games. Despite her achievements, the Slovenian Olympic selection committee opted not to include her in the final team, a move that reportedly left both her and Pogacar feeling disregarded.

The decision has shocked the cycling world, where Pogacar’s Olympic withdrawal marks a rare moment of public discontent. Known for his professionalism and focus, the 25-year-old has been a model athlete in his career, with two Tour de France victories and numerous other stage race wins. However, his commitment to his personal life and his loyalty to Zigart now appear to have taken precedence over his athletic ambitions.

“I’ve spent so many years chasing my dreams in cycling, but family and relationships are what truly matter,” Pogacar added. “It was not an easy decision to make, but I want to support Urska during this time. I’ll continue to race for the things that matter most to me.”

Pogacar’s withdrawal leaves a major gap in Slovenia’s Olympic road race team, as he was seen as one of the top favorites for the event. With the Olympic Games just months away, it remains to be seen how his absence will affect the competition, but his departure has certainly sparked a conversation about the human side of elite athletes.

As for Pogacar, he has reassured fans that his focus will remain on his professional cycling career, particularly his goals in the upcoming Grand Tours. However, his decision to step away from the Olympics has certainly left a lasting impression on the cycling world.