Urska Zigart on her partner Pogacar: "Tadej often thinks that I sacrifice much more for our lives than he does, but that’s not true"

Tadej Pogacar has achieved what can only be termed as history in 2024 and a good part of that success is owed to his partner Urska Zigart. The two work together in perfection off the bike and in a recent interview the Slovenian rider admits that they were working on creating a second development team in their home country, this time around dedicated to the support of female riders.

In words to Sportal, Zigart admits that "we are currently planning to set up a youth team, for female cyclists from the junior and promising categories (under-23, ed.). We also don't want to neglect the promising cyclists, who should later switch to the pros, so we want to help them too. Tadej and I have always wanted to help girls too". After the 'Pogi Team' comes the 'Pika Team', the nicknames of both riders.

Pogacar has not only been of massive influence for the country's cycling aspirations, becoming what is without a doubt the most talented rider in modern cycling, but his financial means also grow by the year and with a new contract signed until UAE Team Emirates until 2030, there should be even more influence within the team.

Regardless, the project is almost ready to go on the road for the 2025 season. "As for Pika Team, I have to admit that until this season I didn’t see myself as someone who could start my own team, let alone a team that would carry my name or nickname. But this year, with all the events that have taken place, I understood even more how important it is to give something back to Slovenian cycling".

They both live in Monaco and Zigart herself has taken a strong step this year, having won both road race and time-trial national championships and showing her climber legs with a fourth place at the recent Giro dell'Emilia Donne. She has signed a two-year deal with AG Insurance - Soudal where she is eager to develop more as a rider. But of course, she was asked about her relationship with the men's World Champion and shares insight into her point of view.

"I think he sees me making compromises more often, but given his name, career and achievements I think that’s completely understandable. If I could always focus on myself one hundred percent, I might achieve more. But without Tadej I would have had much less experience and would have had less advice and opportunities," the 27-year old adds. "I think I’m better off anyway. Tadej often thinks that I sacrifice much more for our lives than he does, but that’s not true. It is true that sometimes, when I ride behind him during training, I suffer more, or I spend less time in the shower than he does, so I can cook earlier - but these are small things that are not a problem for me. In short, we both contribute".

Zigart is frequently at her partner's races and with the frequency that Pogacar has won this year, she has often been in the picture for an emotional post-race celebration. "I think we both see what we do for each other, and sometimes it seems that what your partner does for you is worth more than what you contribute yourself. But I believe that it is better to think this way than to think that one person gives up more than the other. This creates a positive view of the relationship, where we appreciate each other's efforts and consciously try to maintain a balance," she concludes.