Tadej Pogacar: sports career, personal interests, family, awards and honors
Sports career
He began to shine in 2019, when Tadej Pogačar signed with the UAE Team Emirates, marking the start of an extraordinary career. Only a year later, in 2020, the young Slovenian won his first Tour de France, becoming the youngest winner in the history of the race. In 2021, Pogačar repeated the feat, dominating the Tour again and also winning other major competitions, such as the Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Giro di Lombardia. Yet his talents were not limited to the grand tours: in 2022, after winning the UAE Tour and the Tyrrhenian-Adriatic, he took on the challenge of the Tour de France, where, despite a second-place finish, he stood out for his determination. The year 2023 saw him triumph in the Tour of Flanders and win the Liège-Bastogne-Liège again, but a crash forced him to withdraw from the Liège race. His career peaked in 2024, when Pogačar fulfilled the dream of many cyclists by winning the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same year, making him one of the most acclaimed cyclists in history. With an impressive palmarès and a constant presence in competitions, Pogačar proved to be a true cycling phenomenon, capable of inspiring future generations. His sports career continues to write pages of history.
Personal interests
In private life, Tadej Pogačar is distinguished by his humility and passion for cycling, which have accompanied him since childhood. Growing up in Klanec, a small Slovenian village, he started racing with his brother, turning the game into an extraordinary career. Although his life is now in the spotlight, Tadej maintains a simple lifestyle, devoting time to family and friends. When his sporting endeavors allow, he loves to come home to enjoy the tranquility and warmth of family. His partner, cyclist Urška Žigart, is another pillar in his life, and the two share the same passion for cycling. Pogačar, despite being one of the greatest cyclists of his generation, does not let fame overwhelm him and continues to live with the same joy as when he was a young boy enjoying racing. This balance between private life and career is crucial to his success and happiness. His private life is a reflection of his authentic and genuine personality.
Family
With great affection for his family, Tadej Pogačar has always maintained strong ties to his roots. Born in Klanec, Slovenia, he grew up in a family that supported his passion for cycling from an early age. His father, Mirko, worked in management, while his mother, Marjeta, is a French teacher. His family played a crucial role in his development as an athlete, supporting him in his early competitions and encouraging him to pursue his dreams. Tadej is the third of four children, and despite his growing fame, he continues to remain humble and close to his loved ones. He currently lives in Munich with his girlfriend, Urška Žigart, also a professional cyclist. Their relationship is characterized by strong mutual support, which contributes to both of their success in the cycling world. Pogacar’s family is a source of constant motivation, and he said that his love for cycling is fueled by the joy of sharing victories with those closest to him. His dedication to family and desire to remain down-to-earth are key elements of his personality, making him not only a great cyclist, but also a man deeply connected to family values. In this context, Tadej Pogacar‘s family is a pillar of his life and career.
Awards and recognition for sports merit
The merit recognition for Tadej Pogačar has been extraordinary and varied, reflecting his talent and dedication to cycling. Notable among the most prestigious awards were his three Tour de France victories in 2020, 2021 and 2024, establishing him as one of the greatest cyclists in history. Pogačar also won the Giro d’Italia in 2024, becoming the third man in history to complete the “Triple Crown” of cycling, a feat that includes winning the Giro, Tour and World Championship in the same year. In addition, he has received awards such as the Vélo d’Or in 2021 and 2024, which honor the best cyclist of the year. His palmarès also includes seven Monuments, including the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, demonstrating his versatility in one-day races. Pogačar hoped to continue improving and winning, and to date he has accumulated an impressive number of victories, setting records in several competitions. His career is an example of how natural talent, combined with a strong work ethic, can lead to extraordinary achievements in the world of cycling, making sports merit awards a key part of his story.
