"The Adventures of Pogi and Pika" – Tadej Pogacar and Urska Zigart launch inspiring new children’s book
Cycling
In a sport defined by watts, tactics, and marginal gains, it’s rare to see a World Tour champion swap the crucible of the peloton for the pages of a children’s storybook. But that’s exactly what Tadej Pogacar has done – and, true to form, he hasn’t done it alone.
This summer, Pogacar and his partner, fellow Slovenian pro Urska Zigart, became the stars of The Adventures of Pogi and Pika, a vibrant children’s book published in Slovenia. Authored by Uroš Grilc and illustrated by Gregor Goršič, the book reimagines the power couple not as elite athletes but as fairytale adventurers, cycling through magical worlds, outsmarting dragons and giants – all from the saddles of their trusty bikes.
While it may sound like a charming detour from the rigours of professional racing, the project is anything but frivolous. It’s a calculated and heartfelt effort to channel the couple’s growing public profile into something lasting: a cultural tool to inspire the next generation of young cyclists, particularly in their home country.
Beyond the Podium
Pogacar’s palmarès needs no introduction: four Tour de France victories, a host of Monument wins, and the coveted rainbow jersey in 2024. His dominance on the bike has made him a household name in Slovenia and a global ambassador for the sport. Zigart, currently racing for AG Insurance–Soudal, has carved out her own path, progressing steadily in the women's peloton and becoming an outspoken advocate for gender equality in cycling.
In Pogi and Pika, it’s not sheer strength or mythical weapons that lead to victory – it’s cooperation, perseverance, and of course, cycling. While most children’s stories reach for swords or spells, this one puts two wheels at the heart of the tale. It’s a subtle but powerful message: cycling isn’t just a sport; it’s a vehicle for imagination, independence, and adventure.
The book’s creators are upfront about its educational intent. As Slovenia continues to bask in its status as a cycling powerhouse – thanks to riders like Pogacar, Primoz Roglic, and Matej Mohoric – there's a push to turn that success into grassroots growth. Pogi and Pika aims to inspire children to get outside, get pedalling, and dream big – whether that means riding their first bike or chasing down yellow in Paris.
Zigart was the first to congratulate Pogacar after his World Championship win
Will the Story Travel?
At present, The Adventures of Pogi and Pika is only available in Slovenian, though interest from international publishers is likely. Given the universal appeal of the story – and the global fanbase Pogacar has cultivated – an English edition seems almost inevitable.
And if it does cross borders, it could mark an important step in expanding cycling’s cultural footprint. Most major sports have a canon of children's books and media designed to feed fandom from a young age. Cycling, by contrast, has lagged behind in this department – more often associated with adult narratives of suffering and sacrifice than with childhood wonder.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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