Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, has long been known for his relentless competitiveness and willingness to take on the toughest challenges in the sport. So, when news broke that Pogačar would be skipping the 2024 Vuelta a Burgos, speculation ran wild. Was he nursing an injury? Was he fatigued after a grueling season? Or was it a strategic decision aimed at focusing on a bigger target? Fans and analysts alike were left guessing, but Pogačar has finally broken his silence, revealing the true reason behind his decision—and it’s far from what anyone expected.
In a candid interview with a Slovenian sports outlet, Pogačar disclosed that his decision to skip the Vuelta a Burgos was not due to physical concerns or strategic planning, but rather a deeply personal reason. Pogačar revealed that he chose to forgo the race to spend more time with his family, specifically to support his fiancée, Urška Žigart, who has been dealing with an undisclosed personal matter.
“After the Tour de France, I realized that I needed to be there for Urška. We’ve both had an incredibly intense year, and sometimes, cycling has to take a backseat to the people who matter most,” Pogačar said. “The Vuelta a Burgos is a race I enjoy, but at the end of the day, family comes first. It’s important to me that I’m present for Urška during this time.”
Pogačar’s decision is a rare one in the world of professional sports, where athletes are often expected to prioritize their careers above all else. His choice to put family first challenges the traditional narrative and highlights a more human side of the young superstar. While many expected his withdrawal to be linked to physical recovery or preparation for upcoming races, Pogačar’s admission brings a new dimension to his public persona—one that is grounded in empathy and personal responsibility.
“I’ve always pushed myself to the limit in every race, but I’ve learned that sometimes the best decision is to step back and focus on what’s truly important in life,” Pogačar continued. “Cycling is my passion, but it’s not everything. I’m grateful for the support of my team and fans who understand and respect my decision.”
The revelation has sparked a wave of reactions across the cycling community. Many fans have expressed their admiration for Pogačar’s maturity and willingness to prioritize his personal life. Fellow cyclists have also voiced their support, with several commenting on the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
“Tadej’s decision shows incredible strength and wisdom,” commented Chris Froome, a four-time Tour de France champion. “It’s not easy to step away from a race, especially for someone as competitive as him, but it’s a reminder that we’re all human and sometimes need to focus on things beyond the bike.”
While Pogačar’s absence from the Vuelta a Burgos is certainly notable, it’s unlikely to have a significant impact on his overall season. The Slovenian star has already had an impressive year, with strong performances in the Tour de France and other key races. His decision to skip Burgos may even allow him to return to competition with renewed energy and focus.
As for what’s next, Pogačar remains optimistic about the remainder of the season. “I’m looking forward to getting back to racing, but for now, I’m focusing on being present for Urška and our families,” he said. “I’ll be back soon, and I’m as motivated as ever to achieve great things on the bike.”
Pogačar’s revelation marks a new chapter in his career, one that emphasizes balance and personal well-being. As the cycling world continues to evolve, his decision may inspire other athletes to consider the importance of life off the bike.
For now, fans will have to wait a little longer to see Pogačar back in action, but one thing is clear—when he does return, he’ll be racing not just for victory, but for the values and people that matter most in his life.
