Urska Žigart believes her partner Tadej Pogačar will return stronger next season as he continues his recovery from the serious injuries suffered at the Vuelta a España.
Both Slovenian riders have experienced difficult crashes during 2026. Žigart fractured her jaw in a heavy accident at the Tour de Suisse, while Pogačar was forced to abandon the Vuelta after a major crash that left him with a broken collarbone and concussion.
Žigart has since returned to competition and is currently riding the Faun Tour Femmes, where she sits third overall after the opening two stages. She described her form as positive as she prepares for the upcoming World Championships in Canada and the European Championships in Slovenia.
“I feel good and my form is good,” Žigart said. “After the Tour, I took a short break and now I’m in the final part of my preparation for the World Championships and then the European Championships. I feel ready.”
The European Championships will carry particular significance for Žigart, with the event being held on home roads. She admitted there was disappointment that Pogačar would not be able to compete, but said he would still support the Slovenian team.
According to Žigart, Pogačar is currently concentrating fully on recovering from his injuries. She even joked that he could travel to Canada to support her at the World Championships or perhaps surprise everyone by racing.
More realistically, Pogačar is expected to remain focused on rehabilitation after his Vuelta crash. Slovenian national coach Uroš Murn has confirmed that the UAE Team Emirates-XRG star plans to travel to Canada to support his compatriots.
Žigart remains confident that the setback will not prevent Pogačar from returning at his best.
“Crashes happen. You have to adapt and bounce back, and I’m sure he’ll come back stronger next year,” she said.
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