Girlfriend’s Selection Snub Prompted Pogacar’s Olympic Absence, Says Jens Voigt
Renowned cycling analyst and former professional rider Jens Voigt has shed light on the surprising decision by Tadej Pogačar to skip the upcoming Olympics, suggesting that personal reasons played a significant role in the Slovenian rider’s absence. According to Voigt, Pogačar’s girlfriend, Urska Zigart, who is also a professional cyclist, was not selected to represent Slovenia in the women’s Olympic road race, leading Pogačar to reconsider his participation in the event.
Pogačar, who has become one of the most prominent figures in cycling, notably won the Tour de France twice, and his decision not to compete in the Olympics raised eyebrows across the sporting world. While many speculated that the demanding race schedule and fatigue might have influenced his choice, Voigt argues that the emotional toll of Zigart’s exclusion weighed heavily on Pogačar’s mind.
In a recent interview, Voigt stated, “Tadej is incredibly close to Urska, and they support each other both on and off the bike. Her exclusion from the Olympic squad was a major disappointment, and it’s understandable that it affected Tadej’s enthusiasm for the event. It’s not just about the race; it’s about what it represents for both of them as a couple.”
The absence of Pogačar from the Olympics is a significant blow to Slovenia’s medal hopes, as he was one of the top contenders in the men’s road race. Voigt’s comments have added a new layer of understanding to the decision, highlighting how personal relationships can influence even the most elite athletes’ professional choices.
Pogačar has not publicly commented on the situation, leaving fans and analysts to speculate. However, Voigt’s insights provide a compelling narrative that intertwines the personal and professional lives of athletes, reminding us that behind every sporting decision, there is often more than meets the eye.
