“I’ll always be known as Tadej Pogacar’s girlfriend – but that doesn’t bother me” – Urska Zigart targets her own breakthrough at Kigali World Championships

Urska Zigart is preparing for the World Championships in Kigali with a sense of perspective. The 28-year-old Slovenian, long in the public eye as the partner of four-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar, admits that the label of being “Pogacar’s girlfriend” is something she will never fully escape.

“I think it will always be the case that I’m known as Tadej Pogacar’s girlfriend, simply because he became famous earlier with his results,” Zigart admits in quotes collected by Siol. “But honestly, that doesn’t bother me.”

Zigart has carved out her own professional career in the women’s peloton, now riding for AG Insurance - Soudal, and she sees the upcoming 2025 World Championships in Rwanda as the perfect chance to show what she can do on a global stage. “Of course, I’d like to make a name for myself with my own performances,” she said. “That’s what motivates me — proving that I belong here as a rider in my own right.”

Though results have not always come easily, Zigart has shown steady progress in recent seasons, particularly in stage races with climbing profiles that suit her characteristics, notably finishing top-10 at the Giro and runner-up in Romandie this year. The Worlds course in Kigali, with its relentless climbing and expected heat, is one she believes could play into her strengths.

Inevitably, the conversation turned to what it means to share her life with the sport’s biggest star. Zigart is candid about the dynamic: “When you’re together with someone so successful, it changes how people look at you. But within the peloton, among the riders, I feel respected for who I am. That matters most.”

The couple live together in Monaco, but Zigart has spoken openly about the sacrifices and challenges of balancing two careers at cycling’s highest level. Their schedules rarely align perfectly, though she insists that sharing the same profession also brings a unique understanding.

What shines through in Zigart’s reflections is her grounded outlook. She does not bristle at comparisons or the constant mention of Pogacar’s name, instead acknowledging it as part of her reality while keeping her focus fixed on her own ambitions. “I’ve accepted that this is something I cannot change. What I can control is my racing, my training, and how much I keep improving,” she said.

The Slovenian is open about the mental challenges of the sport, admitting she can sometimes be her own harshest critic. “I expect more from myself than maybe is realistic at the moment,” she said. “That can be difficult to manage.”

She is clear, though, about what she wants in Kigali: not necessarily a headline result, but a performance that reflects her steady progression. “I want to ride a race that shows my growth, that I’m moving forward year after year.”

Zigart is also keenly aware of the psychological demands of elite cycling. “In cycling, the head is just as important as the legs,” she explained. “If you are not mentally right, it doesn’t matter how strong you are physically.”

That focus on mental resilience has become central to her development, and she believes it will be a decisive factor in Rwanda. But whether or not she delivers a career-best performance in Kigali, Zigart’s outlook suggests she is increasingly defined by her own story rather than simply the company she keeps.