A clown like you've never seen:

Tadej Pogačar, five-time winner of the Tour de France, took on a different role during his recent appearance on the ascent of Mont Ventoux, supporting his fiancée Urška Žigart as she competed in the women’s version of the race. The Slovenian cyclist, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport, was spotted cheering for Žigart, who is currently participating in the Females Tour de France. This marked a rare moment where Pogačar stepped away from his usual position as a competitor and instead became a supporter for someone close to him. The event unfolded on one of cycling's most iconic climbs, where many legendary stories have been written. For Pogačar, this time, however, the focus shifted from personal glory to offering encouragement to a loved one. He has long understood the challenges of climbing such steep gradients, both physically and mentally, and knows how crucial support can be in moments of difficulty. In an interview with Belgian media outlet Sporzo, Pogačar appeared in a completely different light. The journalist, Linde Merckpoel, described him as a regular fan or even a participant in the race, rather than the world champion he typically is. This portrayal created an amusing contrast, highlighting how often Žigart is referred to in the media as “Pogačar’s girl.” In this instance, their roles were reversed, with Pogačar taking on the role of the supportive partner. During the conversation, Pogačar admitted that being in the position of a partner can sometimes be challenging. He mentioned that while he enjoys riding with Žigart, she often leaves him behind. He joked about how difficult it can be to simply be the “boyfriend” rather than the top athlete. Despite the lighthearted tone, there was a genuine respect for Žigart’s abilities and resilience. When asked about her recent accident during a race in Switzerland, Pogačar spoke seriously about her recovery. He noted that he had watched the footage only once, impressed by her determination and strength, which allowed her to return to racing quickly. His comments reflected a deep admiration for her commitment to the sport despite the setbacks. The interview concluded with a humorous touch when Merckpoel presented Pogačar with a special gift, a shirt bearing the acronym HAB, standing for “husbands and boyfriends,” a playful twist on the term WAG, which stands for “wives and girlfriends.” Pogačar wore the shirt proudly while cheering along the route, embracing the new identity given to him by the journalist. Pogačar’s presence at the event underscored the unique dynamic between athletes and their partners. While he is used to being under the spotlight as a professional cyclist, this occasion allowed him to showcase a more personal side. His actions highlighted the importance of support systems in sports, especially during high-pressure situations like major races. As the women’s Tour de France continues, attention will remain on Žigart’s performance and how she handles the physical and mental demands of the competition. Meanwhile, Pogačar’s role as a supporter adds another layer to the narrative of the event, illustrating the balance between personal relationships and professional ambitions in elite sports.