Pogačar Celebrates Back-to-Back World Titles with Fiancée and Slovenian Teammates in Kigali
Kigali, Rwanda – Tadej Pogačar cemented his place among cycling’s greats on Sunday as he stormed to victory in the UCI Road World Championships, winning the men’s elite road race for the second consecutive year. The Slovenian superstar, who lit up the streets of Kigali with another audacious solo performance, was met at the finish line by his fiancée, Urška Žigart, and jubilant Slovenian teammates who shared in the historic triumph.
The 26-year-old entered the race as the defending champion after his unforgettable rainbow jersey victory in Zurich last year. True to form, Pogačar refused to let the weight of expectation slow him down. He launched his decisive move with over 100 kilometers remaining, displaying once again the fearless attacking style that has made him a fan favorite around the world.
As the peloton struggled to organize a chase, Pogačar extended his lead on the challenging Mur de Kigali, powering through the humid conditions and relentless climbs. His combination of tactical intelligence and raw strength proved too much for his rivals, who could only fight for the minor podium places.
Crossing the finish line, arms aloft and drenched in sweat, Pogačar was immediately embraced by Žigart, herself a professional cyclist. The emotional moment underlined the personal significance of the victory, with the couple sharing tears and smiles in front of thousands of fans lining the Rwandan capital’s streets. Teammates Jan Tratnik, Matej Mohorič, and Domen Novak soon joined in the celebrations, wrapping their captain in a Slovenian flag as chants of “Pogi, Pogi!” rang out.
“This is beyond words,” Pogačar said afterwards. “To win once was a dream, but to defend this jersey and do it with Urška and my teammates here means everything. Slovenia is a small country, but today we showed once again how big our heart is.”
For Žigart, the victory was equally emotional. Speaking after the race, she praised her fiancé’s resilience and spirit: “He inspires me every day with his determination. I see how hard he works, and to see him win like this, again, is just incredible. I’m so proud of him.”
The victory also represents a landmark for Slovenian cycling, a nation that has consistently punched above its weight in the sport. With riders like Pogačar, Primož Roglič, and Mohorič already established on the global stage, Slovenia’s dominance looks set to continue well into the next decade.
Meanwhile, cycling fans in Rwanda and across Africa were treated to a historic spectacle. Kigali became the first African city to host the World Championships, and the atmosphere throughout the week was electric, with local supporters filling the streets and cheering every attack, sprint, and climb.
As the sun set over Kigali, Pogačar stood on the podium, draped in rainbow stripes once more, the Slovenian anthem echoing across the hills. For the second year running, he had proven himself the undisputed king of one-day racing—an icon who thrives on rewriting cycling’s history books.
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