The non-selection of Urška Žigart for the upcoming Paris Olympics has stirred quite a bit of controversy. Both her fiancé, Tadej Pogacar, and her manager, Alex Carera, felt the need to respond. Now, Žigart herself has spoken out.
The 27-year-old rider, who finished 12th in the Giro d’Italia Women last Sunday, was informed of the decision before the Tour de Suisse. “I received a text message from national coach Gorazd Penko with the message and his reasons. He told me he had already decided last year,” Žigart told the Slovenian website 24Ur.
Coach’s Decision and Žigart’s Reaction
The Slovenian coach has chosen Urska Pintar and Eugenia Bujak for the Olympic team. “I don’t need to prove myself to anyone. The coach looks at my results in one-day races and much less at my role during the race. I often ride in support of others. That was also the case in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where I finished 32nd. I think he was looking for a reason not to select me.”
Žigart vented her frustrations on social media but has since tempered her words. “It was not my intention to create drama. Issues arise in every sport, especially around selection procedures, particularly for the Olympics. I will loudly cheer every Slovenian competing in Paris.”
Pogacar’s Support and Social Media Presence
Žigart’s fiancé, Tadej Pogacar, also expressed his dismay on social media, saying, “I have no words for this.” However, Žigart clarified their stance, “But I didn’t want to allow that. Tadej also has a team around him for his social media. When he asked if he could post something, I immediately said no. I told him that it was my fight.”
The decision has clearly sparked a mix of personal and professional reactions, highlighting the complexities involved in Olympic selections. Not only is Slovenia affected but Ecuador has decided to not pick its Olympic champion from 4 years ago in Richard Carapaz and the USA had had its own issues before Taylor Knibb took a step back from doing the road race.
