“Dad Won’t Be With You Forever, But You Made Me Suffer”: Tadej Pogačar’s Heart-Wrenching Confession About His Father
In a moment that left the cycling world stunned and emotionally raw, Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian superstar and revered number one rider, broke down as he addressed a crowd of reporters and fans. “Dad won’t be with you forever, but you made me suffer,” he said, his voice trembling and choked with emotion. The words were heavy, revealing a depth of personal struggle that few had ever seen behind the calm and determined exterior of one of the sport’s greatest champions. Pogačar’s confession illuminated the sacrifices made in the shadows of his meteoric career — sacrifices that shaped not only his life but the life of the man who gave him everything: his father.
For years, fans have celebrated Pogačar for his dominance on the bike, his fearless climbs, and his astonishing victories in the Tour de France and other Grand Tours. But behind the spotlight, a different story unfolded. In a quiet, hidden corner of his life, his father watched silently, offering support and guidance from the shadows. Every triumph, every podium, every victory lap was intertwined with the sacrifices and struggles of a man whose love and devotion went largely unseen by the public. Pogačar’s father, who devoted his life to nurturing his son’s talent, bore his own burdens alone, quietly ensuring that Tadej could rise to the pinnacle of professional cycling.
In the press conference, Pogačar opened up about the weight of responsibility and guilt that has followed him throughout his career. “I made decisions,” he admitted, “decisions that I thought were right for my career, for my future, but they made things worse for him. I see it now, and it breaks me.” His raw honesty resonated across the cycling community, drawing tears from fans, teammates, and fellow competitors alike. It was a reminder that behind every champion lies a network of sacrifices, often unnoticed, that makes their extraordinary achievements possible.
The Slovenian rider described how the pressures of professional cycling — grueling training schedules, long periods away from home, and the relentless pursuit of victory — had inadvertently contributed to his father’s declining health. “I wanted to be the best. I wanted to make him proud,” Pogačar said, his eyes glistening with tears. “But in trying to chase my dreams, I forgot to see what it was costing him.” It was a confession that resonated far beyond the world of sport, a universal story of ambition, love, and regret.
Following the emotional address, messages of support poured in from around the globe. Former champions, current riders, and fans shared their admiration not only for Pogačar’s athletic achievements but for his courage in confronting such a deeply personal struggle publicly. Social media was flooded with words of empathy, many noting how the athlete’s vulnerability made him even more inspiring.
Tadej Pogačar’s confession is a poignant reminder that greatness comes with unseen costs. Behind the halo of a legendary rider lies the quiet story of sacrifice, love, and sometimes unintended consequences. For the world, he remains an icon of cycling; for himself, he is a son grappling with the painful complexities of love, duty, and the human heart. In sharing his story, Pogačar not only honored his father’s sacrifices but also allowed millions to witness the very real humanity behind the legend.
