Tadej Pogačar Sheds Tears After Partner’s High-Speed Crash During Tour de Suisse
UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogačar temporarily set aside his Tour de Suisse ambitions to visit partner Urska Žigart in a hospital after she suffered a fractured jaw in a high-speed crash during the women’s stage, according to team manager Mauro Gianetti.
Žigart’s Crash Occurs Amid Final Kilometers of Women’s Stage
Žigart, a professional cyclist with AG Insurance-Soudal, crashed on an uneven road surface just outside the 1-kilometer-to-go banner during the 105.6km stage, according to race officials. The incident occurred within the final 3km, leading to her being listed as a finisher despite sustaining a fractured jaw, as confirmed by her team.
“It was a big crash at high speed of more than 50 kph,” Gianetti told race broadcasters. “Fortunately, it’s nothing serious, but it was a significant incident.”
Pogačar’s Emotional Response and Race Performance
Despite the personal turmoil, Pogačar defended his yellow jersey in stage 2, finishing just behind breakaway winner Romain Grégoire. The 2024 UCI Road World Champion had previously won stage 1 with a 72km solo attack.
“Once the race had started, I went back to the hospital, then called the DSs, who were able to reassure him,” Gianetti said. “He’s a professional… he still tried to do the best.”
Pogačar’s team emphasized his professionalism despite the emotional impact. “Even in the more complicated moments, he’s so professional,” Gianetti added. “There are never enough words to thank Tadej.”
2026 Tour de Suisse Format Change Sparks Discussion
The 2026 edition marks the first year the Tour de Suisse and another WorldTour race will overlap, rather than being spaced a week apart. This scheduling change has drawn attention amid the high-profile incident involving Pogačar and Žigart.
Žigart’s crash echoes a similar situation in 2022, when Pogačar withdrew from Liège-Bastogne-Liège to support his partner after her mother’s passing. His family-first approach has consistently shaped his racing decisions.
Žigart’s Condition and Recovery Outlook
The AG Insurance-Soudal team confirmed Žigart’s fractured jaw on June 12, 2024, with no further details on her recovery timeline. Medical protocols for high-speed crashes typically involve imaging scans and specialist consultations, though specific treatment plans remain undisclosed.
Pogačar’s ability to balance personal crises with professional obligations has drawn praise from cycling analysts. “His resilience under pressure is remarkable,” said Cyclingnews contributor Emma Thompson. “This incident underscores the human side of elite sports.”