<\/p>\n
\u201cMany people think that because of Tadej, things are often easier for me, but in reality, it is often the opposite,” added Zigart. “Expectations are higher, and I am even more under scrutiny.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scrutiny before resultsZigart\u2019s progression in the Women\u2019s WorldTour has been steady rather than explosive. After signing with AG Insurance – Soudal<\/a>, she produced one of the strongest seasons of her career, finishing runner-up at the Tour de Romandie Feminin, fifth overall at the Tour de Suisse Women and ninth at the Giro d’Italia Women, earning herself a contract extension.<\/a><\/p>\n But long before those results began to define her sporting identity, the public narrative had already attached itself. \u201cAt the start, it was not easy,\u201d she continued, explaining that the external attention arrived before she had the chance to establish herself purely on racing terms.<\/p>\n The assumption that being linked to one of cycling\u2019s biggest stars simplifies a career is, in her words, misplaced. Instead, it can magnify every performance and every setback.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople are watching me regardless of what I do, also because of Tadej,\u201d she said. \u201cMany think it is easier for me because of him, but often it is the opposite.\u201d<\/p>\n Learning to manage the noise<\/p>\n Part of adapting to that environment has meant changing her relationship with social media. Pogacar himself has previously described platforms as a \u201cpoison\u201d of modern society, and Zigart has taken her own steps to limit exposure.<\/p>\n \u201cIt certainly helps that I have stepped back somewhat from social media and spend less time there,\u201d she explained. She revealed that she deleted the X app from her phone more than a year ago and now maintains a private Instagram profile for close friends only. \u201cIn short, what you do not know does not hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n The shift has been part of a broader effort to maintain balance in a career that is increasingly high profile. Within her team structure, she also works with support staff, including access to psychological guidance when needed.<\/p>\n \u201cI am still learning,\u201d she admitted when asked how she manages pressure. \u201cI do not know whether any athlete can manage that one hundred per cent.\u201d<\/p>\n Higher expectations, not fewer<\/p>\n If anything, the link to Pogacar has raised the bar rather than lowered it.<\/p>\n Now 29 and entering what many consider a rider\u2019s prime years, Zigart\u2019s role within AG Insurance – Soudal is also evolving. She is no longer one of the youngest in the squad and increasingly finds herself guiding emerging talents while carrying greater performance responsibility herself. \u201cWith more opportunities for results comes perhaps a little more pressure,\u201d she noted. \u201cBut on the other hand, when if not now.\u201d<\/p>\n The spotlight may not dim. The comparisons may not disappear. But for Zigart, the narrative has shifted from surviving scrutiny to defining her own trajectory within it.<\/p>\n And if the assumption persists that proximity to Pogacar makes life simpler, her answer remains clear: the reality has rarely felt that way.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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