Un mois après sa fracture de la mâchoire, Urška Zigarart est déjà au départ du Tour féminin.

Tadej Pogačar’s long-time partner Urška Žigart will compete in this year’s Tour de France Femmes after a dramatic recovery following a severe crash during the Vuelta a España. The Slovenian cyclist, who suffered a jaw fracture in the incident, has returned to racing just over a month later than initially anticipated, making her participation in the prestigious event a major talking point among cycling fans and analysts alike. The crash occurred during the Vuelta a España, where Žigart was riding with the AG Insurance, Soudal team. She lost control of her bike on a steep descent, leading to a high-speed collision with the ground. Medical reports confirmed she had sustained a fractured jaw, requiring immediate attention. Despite the severity of her injuries, Žigart began her rehabilitation process shortly after the accident, working closely with medical professionals and her team. Her recovery has been described as “remarkably swift” by those close to her, with her returning to training earlier than many had expected. In a recent interview, Žigart expressed optimism about her return to competition. “I’ve been feeling well ahead of the race,” she stated. “After such a terrible fall, I decided I needed to enjoy life again, and I hope to do that here.” She emphasized that while her primary role on the team is to assist captain Kim Le Court Pienaar in the pursuit of the yellow jersey, she also has personal ambitions. “My main task is to help Kim in chasing the yellow jersey, but I also have my own goals,” she added. The decision to include Žigart in the team lineup for the Tour de France Femmes came after a successful performance in the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España. According to Pogačar, the team believed she was ready to contribute effectively. “She’s back in top form, and her presence strengthens our chances of winning the Tour,” he said. Žigart herself acknowledged the significance of the opportunity. “It’s a huge challenge, but I’m determined to make the most of it.” The Tour de France Femmes, which starts in Lyon and concludes in Nice, includes several challenging stages, including a climb up the legendary Mont Ventoux. Žigart, who finished sixth in the Vuelta and eighth in the Giro, will play a key supporting role in the team’s strategy. Her experience in both races has given her confidence heading into the Tour, and she has already begun preparing for the demands of the event. Despite the initial doubts surrounding her ability to return so quickly, Žigart’s progress has been remarkable. She spent the first few days of her recovery in the hospital, where doctors monitored her condition closely. However, she soon resumed light training and gradually increased her workload. Her teammates have praised her determination and resilience throughout the process. “She’s been incredibly focused and committed,” one teammate noted. “Her attitude has been a great inspiration to all of us.” As the Tour approaches, Žigart is focusing on staying positive and enjoying the experience. “I want to take pleasure in this wild race,” she said. “I hope you’ll cheer for all of us, girls on the Tour!” She shared a collage of photos from her recovery journey on social media, highlighting the support she received from friends, family, and colleagues. “Thank you to everyone who helped me come back, every small piece of the puzzle made a difference,” she wrote. With the Tour set to begin in less than a week, Žigart’s participation marks a significant moment for women’s cycling and for Slovenia. Her return to competitive racing is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of perseverance and strength in the face of adversity. As the race unfolds, her performance will be watched closely, not just for its impact on the team’s success, but also for the inspiration it offers to others facing similar challenges.