Tadej Pogačar sent shockwaves through the cycling world today with a raw and emotional statement following Stage 9 of the Tour de France, casting doubt over his future in the sport’s most grueling race. Despite wearing the yellow jersey and dominating the competition through the Pyrenees, the Slovenian superstar opened up about the mounting pressure, fatigue, and emotional toll that the Tour has taken on him year after year.
“I can’t keep doing this,” Pogačar said quietly in the post-race press conference, his face visibly drained. “Every year, it’s more than just physical. The expectations, the pressure to win again and again… it wears you down.”
Pogačar, 26, is widely regarded as one of the most gifted riders of his generation, having already won the Tour de France twice and finishing on the podium multiple times. This season, he entered the Tour with enormous anticipation, especially after conquering the Giro d’Italia earlier in the year—attempting the rare and grueling Giro-Tour double. But his emotional confession marks a possible turning point in a career that has so far seemed unstoppable.
“Of course, I love the bike. I love racing,” he continued. “But there are days where you wake up and wonder if it’s worth what it’s doing to your mind and body. I miss being home. I miss being a normal guy sometimes.”
His UAE Team Emirates management remained tight-lipped after the statement, simply reiterating their support for Pogačar’s health and well-being. Inside sources, however, have hinted that the rider has spoken privately about possibly skipping the Tour in 2026 or even taking an extended break after the current season.
The confession has sparked mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some have praised Pogačar for his honesty and emotional transparency in a sport that often demands stoic toughness. Others, however, worry that this could indicate deeper struggles behind the scenes.
“He’s still winning,” said former pro and analyst Jens Voigt. “But even champions have limits. What Tadej is saying here is bigger than one race—it’s about the emotional cost of greatness.”
With two brutal mountain stages and a decisive time trial still ahead, it remains to be seen whether Pogačar will hold on to his yellow jersey—or if this could be his last serious challenge for it in the near future. Whatever happens next, today’s admission has reminded the cycling world that even the strongest riders are, at their core, human.
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