In a candid interview, **Patrick Lefevere**, the renowned manager of **Soudal-QuickStep**, shared a lighthearted yet telling anecdote about his first encounter with **Urska Zigart**, the girlfriend of cycling superstar **Tadej Pogačar**. Known for his no-nonsense approach to the sport, Lefevere didn’t hold back when recalling his first impressions of Zigart, revealing a surprising side to the often-understated relationship between the Slovenian cyclist and his partner.
“I first met Urska when we were at a race. Tadej was there, and she was with him, but she didn’t act like a girlfriend at all,” Lefevere chuckled. “She was completely independent, not hovering around him, not acting like the typical partner who’s constantly in the spotlight. She’s strong-willed, focused, and completely unaffected by the media circus around Tadej. She’s just her own person.”
Zigart, a talented cyclist in her own right, is often seen supporting Pogačar from the sidelines at major events, yet Lefevere emphasized that she never seeks the limelight for herself. In a world where relationships between top athletes often become part of the public spectacle, Zigart has consistently maintained a low profile, prioritizing her own career and maintaining a sense of normalcy despite her association with one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Lefevere, who is known for his direct and sometimes blunt remarks, also highlighted how refreshing it was to see someone like Urska, who remains grounded despite being part of one of the most high-profile relationships in cycling.
“She’s not the type to show off or act like she’s part of the drama that surrounds Tadej’s career,” Lefevere continued. “I think that’s what makes her relationship with Tadej so special. It’s not about the fame or the attention—it’s about the two of them supporting each other in a very real way.”
For Pogačar, who has consistently been one of the most dominant figures in cycling, having a supportive partner like Urska is crucial. While the world watches him conquer the biggest stages in the sport, Urska’s quiet presence has proven to be a stabilizing factor in his life, helping him stay focused on his goals and maintain a sense of balance.
As Lefevere sees it, Urska’s unique way of handling her relationship with Pogačar reflects her own professional mindset as a cyclist. She knows how to stay out of the limelight when necessary and step up when called upon, showing the same mental strength that makes her a formidable competitor in her own right.
In a world where the private lives of elite athletes are often dissected under a microscope, Urska Zigart stands out for her ability to remain low-key and maintain a healthy, supportive relationship with one of the sport’s biggest names without becoming defined by it. Her ability to navigate the pressures of being Pogačar’s girlfriend without letting it affect her personal identity is something Lefevere clearly admires.
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