Cyclist Urška Žigart Out for Season with Second Jaw Fracture, Misses World Championships

Slovenian cyclist Urška Žigart's 2026 racing season has come to an abrupt and premature end following a second severe injury, a fractured jaw, sustained during the Faun Tour Femmes. This unfortunate turn of events means she will be unable to compete in the highly anticipated World Championships in Montréal, where she was expected to be a pivotal member of the Slovenian national team.

Professional Cyclist Urška Žigart Faces Season-Ending Injury Setback

In a devastating blow to her racing calendar, professional cyclist Urška Žigart, a prominent figure for the AG Insurance-Soudal team, was forced to withdraw from competition for the remainder of the season. The setback occurred at the Faun Tour Femmes, specifically during the third stage to Tournon-sur-Rhône in southern France, where she suffered a jaw fracture in a crash. This incident is particularly disheartening as it marks the second time this season that Žigart has fractured her jaw, with the previous injury occurring in June during the Tour de Suisse. That earlier crash, a high-speed fall in the closing kilometers of the second stage, fortunately did not require surgery, but it kept her off the bike for six weeks, with her return to competitive racing at the Tour de France Femmes. Her team's statement expressed deep regret, noting that given the repeated nature of the injury, her focus must now entirely shift to recovery, with a definitive decision on her season's conclusion pending the healing process. Žigart, known for her climbing prowess and general classification ambitions, had an impressive year prior to these incidents, securing sixth place in the Vuelta Femenina in May and eighth in the Giro d'Italia Women the following month. The challenging period extends to her personal life as well, as her partner, five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar, recently experienced his own significant crash, withdrawing from the Vuelta a España – his first-ever Grand Tour abandonment. Both athletes will now be sidelined during the UCI Road World Championships, which commence on September 20, a stark reminder of the inherent risks in elite-level cycling.

The recurring nature of Žigart's injuries this season underscores the demanding and often unforgiving reality of professional cycling. It serves as a poignant reminder that even the most talented and dedicated athletes are susceptible to the unpredictable dangers of the sport. While her absence from the World Championships is undoubtedly a loss for the Slovenian team, her resilience in facing these challenges will be an inspiration to many. Her journey back to full fitness will require immense determination, highlighting the mental fortitude required to overcome such physical setbacks. This period also offers a moment for reflection on athlete welfare and the support systems in place to aid recovery, both physically and psychologically, after high-impact racing incidents.