Tadej Pogacar's secret to success? "Without her I wouldn't be able to do what I do"

Professional cycling is a brutal sport, not only tough on the athletes themselves but on their families and partners. Hence having the right person as a partner can be one of the single most important aspects when it comes to the psychological part of the sport. On International Women's Day, Tadej Pogacar did not hesitate to thank Urska Zigart for her role in his success.

'"he is a huge help to me, more than I can admit. Without her I wouldn't be able to do what I do, she makes my life easier on the bike," Pogacar said in words to In de Leiderstrui, who questioned several riders at the finish line this Saturday - which coincided with International Women's Day.

On Friday both Slovenian riders showed up at the team's presentation with the number 1 bib, a striking image of what is perhaps cycling's most popular couple. Pogacar has won the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, two monuments and the World Championships - amongst several other races - in 2024, a year that could've hardly been any better, and psychologically speaking he seems to fit perfectly in a sport that often proves to be too harsh on the mental and physical state of riders.

But Pogacar finds in Zigart not only support, but a key part of why he is able to perform so well. "She understands me as a fellow professional, she supports me and sometimes puts her own goals aside to support me. I try to do that in return when I can. I was super happy that she is there often, I am grateful for her," he states. Zigart was present at the finish in Siena, where a bloodied Pogacar would take an epic win.

Earlier this week in an interview, Zigart herself was questioned about the Slovenian who she teams up with in daily life and was not afraid to complement him dearly: "When Tadej suddenly started to become successful, people warned me 'pay attention, Urska. Money and fame, it does something to a person.' But Tadej is still Tadej. That boy is so well-bred".