“SHUT UP! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO TALK TO ME LIKE THAT?” The Velodrom NovoMesto studio fell silent as Tadej Pogačar took the stage, silencing all criticism. Controversy erupted when Slovenian political journalist Mojca Šetinc Pašek publicly criticized Tadej Pogačar for refusing to join the Slovenia Tour in the first place, calling him a “traitor to the motherland”.Instead of staying silent, Tadej Pogačar put the microphone down on the table, raised his head, and his words silenced the entire studio, forcing Velodrom NovoMesto to issue an urgent statement…
The cycling world and media community were stunned yesterday when Tadej Pogačar, one of Slovenia’s most celebrated athletes, addressed the Velodrom NovoMesto studio in an unexpectedly forceful manner. The controversy began when Mojca Šetinc Pašek,
a prominent Slovenian political journalist, publicly criticized Pogačar for declining to participate in the upcoming Slovenia Tour. In a televised segment that aired during prime time, Pašek accused the two-time Tour de France winner of being a “traitor to the motherland,” suggesting that his absence demonstrated a lack of patriotism and commitment to the nation’s sporting prestige.
The remarks were met with immediate backlash on social media, but the situation escalated when Pogačar arrived at the Velodrom NovoMesto studio later the same day to give his side of the story. As he entered, a tense silence fell over the room. Cameras clicked,
journalists leaned forward, and even the crew seemed momentarily frozen, sensing that a dramatic moment was about to unfold. Pogačar, known for his calm demeanor and sportsmanship, defied expectations. Rather than respond diplomatically or ignore the criticism, he placed his microphone firmly on the table, raised his head, and addressed the journalist directly with words that echoed through the studio: “Shut up! Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?”
For several seconds, no one spoke. The studio staff, fellow journalists, and viewers at home were left in shock at the intensity and authenticity of Pogačar’s response. Witnesses described the atmosphere as almost surreal, with the usual background noise and chatter replaced by a profound silence. Pogačar went on to explain that his decision to skip the Slovenia Tour was based on personal reasons,
including physical preparation, mental focus, and strategic planning for upcoming international competitions. He emphasized that his commitment to Slovenian cycling and national pride was unwavering, and that a single absence should not define his entire career or his contributions to the sport.
The moment was a rare glimpse into the emotional and human side of one of cycling’s most accomplished riders. Pogačar highlighted the pressure athletes face under constant public scrutiny, explaining that the judgment of fans and media often overlooks the personal sacrifices required to compete at the highest level. He reminded the audience that true patriotism could take many forms, including representing the country internationally and inspiring young cyclists, rather than merely participating in every national event.
In response to the incident, Velodrom NovoMesto issued an urgent statement, urging calm and respect for Pogačar’s privacy and professional decisions. The statement emphasized that all athletes deserve to make choices about their careers without facing personal attacks or accusations of disloyalty. The moment quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion about the relationship between athletes and the media, and how far criticism should go before it crosses into unfair personal judgment. For now, Tadej Pogačar’s words have become emblematic of resilience, integrity, and the courage to speak out under pressure, reminding the world that even champions have boundaries that must be respected.
