Patrick Lefevere, the longtime Quick-Step team boss, has seen his fair share of cycling talents and personalities over the years. But when he first met Urška Žigart, the partner of two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar, he was struck by something unusual. She wasn’t basking in the spotlight of being Pogačar’s girlfriend—far from it. Instead, she carried herself with an independent spirit, one that Lefevere couldn’t help but admire.
“She is Tadej Pogačar’s girlfriend, but she doesn’t act like it at all,” Lefevere recalled, emphasizing how Žigart stood out on her own merits. Unlike many partners of elite athletes who often take a backseat to their significant other’s success, Žigart, a professional cyclist herself, exuded confidence and individuality.
Žigart, who rides for the UAE Team ADQ, has built her own career in cycling, competing at a high level rather than simply being seen as Pogačar’s partner. Her dedication to the sport and her own aspirations in professional racing made an impression on Lefevere, who is well-versed in the dynamics of the cycling world.
Beyond her athletic ability, Žigart’s down-to-earth personality and strong work ethic set her apart. She has openly spoken about her journey, the challenges of professional cycling, and her own ambitions—proving that she is much more than just “Pogačar’s girlfriend.”
Lefevere’s anecdote highlights an important narrative in sports: the significance of individuality and recognition beyond personal relationships. Žigart continues to carve her own path in cycling, earning respect not just as Pogačar’s partner but as a determined and skilled athlete in her own right.
