Tadej Pogačar has shared his deepest struggles after a monumental victory over rival Jonas Vingegaard during Stage 19 of the 2024 Tour de France. The stage, which culminated in the grueling ascent to Isola 2000, saw Pogačar deliver a stunning performance that left the cycling world in awe. However, the victory was bittersweet for the Slovenian star, who later revealed the emotional turmoil he has been facing.
“This is heartbreaking for me… I can’t stop crying; I lost my…” Pogačar began in a tearful interview shortly after crossing the finish line. While he did not complete his sentence, it was evident that the victory had dredged up painful memories from his past. The win, which should have been a moment of pure triumph, was overshadowed by the weight of personal loss and the memories of a near-fatal experience during the 2023 Tour de France.
Pogačar further opened up about his harrowing experience in the previous year’s race, which had left a lasting impact on him. “I really believed I was going to die,” he recalled, referencing a terrifying moment during the 2023 Tour when he was pushed to his physical and mental limits. The memory of that ordeal has haunted him, casting a shadow over his recent achievements.
Despite his emotional state, Pogačar’s performance on Isola 2000 was nothing short of extraordinary. He managed to break the seemingly invincible Jonas Vingegaard, who had been in peak form throughout the race. The victory was a testament to Pogačar’s resilience and determination, even in the face of overwhelming personal challenges.
Jonas Vingegaard, who had been leading the race, was visibly shaken after the stage, acknowledging the immense pressure and competition he faced from Pogačar. “Tadej was incredible today; he really pushed me to my limits,” Vingegaard admitted, showing respect for his rival’s tenacity.
As the Tour de France 2024 nears its conclusion, Pogačar’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the mental and emotional battles that athletes often face behind the scenes. While his victory on Isola 2000 will go down in history as one of the most dramatic moments in the race, it is the story of his personal struggle and perseverance that will resonate with fans around the world.
Pogačar’s emotional revelation has sparked an outpouring of support from the cycling community and fans, who have taken to social media to express their admiration and solidarity with the young champion. As the final stages of the Tour unfold, all eyes will be on Pogačar to see how he continues to navigate both the physical and emotional challenges that lie ahead.
