In a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of cycling’s most dominant figures, Tadej Pogačar, the reigning Tour de France champion and world road race titleholder, has shared a touching message for his longtime girlfriend, fellow professional cyclist Urška Žigart. The Slovenian superstar’s words, “And I’ll do whatever it takes to put a smile on your face every day,” have melted hearts across the cycling community, offering a tender counterpoint to the high-stakes intensity of the sport.
Pogačar, 27, who clinched his third Tour de France victory earlier this year and defended his rainbow jersey at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Zurich, has long been celebrated for his on-road prowess. But off the bike, it’s his unwavering support for Žigart that continues to shine. The couple, both hailing from the cycling hotbed of Slovenia, have been together since their teenage years, navigating the demands of elite competition while building a life rooted in mutual encouragement.
Žigart, 30, a standout rider with the SD Worx team and a key figure in women’s cycling, recently opened up about the couple’s dynamic in an interview with Domestique Cycling. “I think it will always be more known that I am Tadej Pogačar’s girlfriend, but that doesn’t bother me,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to carving out her own legacy in the peloton. Her words underscore a partnership of equals, where professional boundaries blur into profound personal solidarity.
The message comes amid a season of triumphs and challenges for the pair. Pogačar dominated the 2025 Grand Tours, while Žigart made headlines with her move to Alpecin-Deceuninck alongside rival Remco Evenepoel—a transition that prompted a playful quip from Pogačar himself: “Urška is going to the same team as Remco. Will she share my secrets with him? I don’t think they’ll ride together often. Urška would leave Remco behind too quickly.” Yet beneath the humor lies a deeper bond, one forged through shared battles on the bike and beyond.
Fans were first reminded of Pogačar’s devotion during last year’s Worlds in Zurich, where a now-iconic photo captured the couple sealing the victory with a kiss, rainbow bands glinting in the Swiss sunlight. More recently, in July 2024, when Žigart faced a personal health struggle, Pogačar defied her wishes for privacy to rally public support on her behalf. “As soon as he contacted me, wanting to post something, I said no,” Žigart recounted in a Slovenian media interview. “She pointed out that it was her battle, and his response was: ‘Who will I fight for, if not for you!'” That fierce loyalty echoes in his latest sentiment, a simple yet profound vow to nurture joy amid the grind of training camps and race calendars.
Social media lit up with reactions to the quote, with fans sharing photos of the couple’s off-season adventures—cozy dinners in Ljubljana, mountain hikes in the Julian Alps, and quiet moments that humanize the superstars. “So happy to see Tadej Pogačar and Urška Žigart being happy and enjoying life,” wrote one enthusiast on X, capturing the widespread affection for their story.
As the 2026 season looms, with Pogačar eyeing a historic fourth Tour win and Žigart gearing up for major women’s events like the Giro d’Italia Femminile, their relationship stands as an inspiration. In a sport often defined by solitude and sacrifice, Pogačar’s promise serves as a reminder: True victory isn’t just crossing the finish line—it’s the smiles shared along the way.
