đź’Ą SHOCKED AHEAD OF THE Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec: Urška Ĺ˝igart and Tadej Poga
On the eve of the prestigious Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, cycling was shaken not by a result on the road, but by a deeply disturbing revelation. Urška Ĺ˝igart, professional cyclist and partner of Tour de France champion Tadej PogaÄŤar, broke her silence to denounce a wave of threats and racist abuse
“I can’t take it anymore,” Ĺ˝igart admitted in an emotional statement, her voice trembling as she shared the hateful messages she had been forced to read. Some included vicious insults, others went further—issuing threats that left both her and PogaÄŤar concerned for their safety. “No one should ever face this kind of cruelty,” she said. “These words are not just criticism; they are attacks on our humanity.”
The timing of the revelation stunned the cycling community. PogaÄŤar, preparing for one of the key races of his late-season calendar, was visibly shaken but wasted no time in responding firmly. “Enough is enough,” he declared. “These people think they can hide behind anonymous messages and spread hate without consequence. I will pursue legal action. I want th
PogaÄŤar, typically admired for his calm demeanor and sportsmanship, used unusually strong words to express the impact of the attacks. “Stop before I become a bad person,” he warned, making it clear that the abuse had pushed him to his limits. His statement reflected both frustration and det
Reactions were immediate. Fellow cyclists, team managers, and fans across the world rallied behind the couple. The UAE Team Emirates, PogaÄŤar’s squad, released a statement of support: “We stand firmly with Tadej and Urška. Hate and racism ha
Social media also lit up with solidarity messages. Hashtags like #StandWithPogi and #RespectUrška quickly trended, as fans denounced the toxic behavior and praised the couple for speaking out. Several prominent riders echoed Ĺ˝igart’s courage, noting that athletes are often treated as targets for abuse, forgetting that they, too, are human beings with emotions and vulnerabilities.
Experts in sports psychology pointed out that such situations underline the need for stricter monitoring of online harassment in professional sport. “Athletes live under incredible pressure,” said one specialist. “Adding abuse and racism only multiplies the burden. Governing bodies must do more to protect them.”
For PogaÄŤar, the ordeal has added another challenge ahead of the Grand Prix de Québec. But his words suggested that, while shaken, he remains resilient. “Cycling is my passion, but protecting my loved ones comes first,” he insisted. “We will not be silenced by hate.”
As the peloton lines up in Québec, the race will now carry an added layer of meaning. Beyond the competition, it stands as a reminder that even champions are not immune to cruelty—and that speaking out against injustice can inspire a wave of unity stronger than any attack.
