Tadej Pogačar received a devastating news from his dad concerning his retirement due to….

Tadej Pogačar sat on the edge of his bed, his heart heavy as he read the message from his father. It was a late evening, and the glow of his phone illuminated the room, but it felt as if the world had dimmed. His dad’s words weighed heavily, conveying a reality Tadej had never fully prepared himself for: retirement from professional cycling.

“Son, it’s time for me to step back. My health is declining, and I need to prioritize my well-being,” the message began. The rest blurred together as Tadej tried to absorb the implications. His father, once his staunchest supporter, the man who had driven him to countless races, was now facing a reality that no athlete wanted to confront. Tadej had always known his dad was aging, but this felt sudden, like a storm that rolled in without warning.

Memories flooded his mind—his dad on the sidelines of every race, cheering louder than anyone, the man who taught him how to ride a bike, who shared every victory and defeat. Tadej remembered those early mornings when they would train together, the cold air biting at their cheeks, his father’s unwavering belief in his talent. Cycling had been a family affair, each victory a shared celebration. But now, that chapter was closing, and the thought sent a chill through him.

As he scrolled through his phone, Tadej’s fingers hesitated over the images of his recent triumphs. The victories at the Tour de France, the adoration from fans, the thrill of the race—it all felt distant now. What was the point of winning without his dad to share it with? He realized that cycling had always been more than just a sport for him; it had been a bond between father and son.

The following days were a blur. Tadej continued to train, pushing himself harder than ever, but his heart wasn’t in it. Every pedal stroke felt like a reminder of what he was losing. Conversations with teammates became increasingly difficult. They were excited about upcoming races and plans, but Tadej found it hard to share in their enthusiasm. How could he focus on winning when his dad was facing such a tough battle?

One evening, as he prepared for a crucial race, Tadej finally reached out to his father. He wanted to understand more about the decision, to hear his voice, to connect in a way that texts couldn’t convey. “Dad, I miss you. Can we talk?” The reply came quickly, and soon they were on a video call.

Seeing his father’s face brought both comfort and sadness. They talked, and Tadej listened as his dad explained the challenges he was facing. It was more than just health; it was about finding peace and accepting a new phase of life. “Son, it’s not the end. You’re still my pride and joy. Keep racing, for both of us.”

With those words, Tadej felt a flicker of resolve. He realized that he could honor his father’s legacy by continuing to race, to push his limits. Though the news had been devastating, it also sparked a deeper determination within him. He would race not just for himself but for the bond they shared, for the dreams they had built together. And as he laced up his shoes and prepared for the next race, Tadej felt a renewed purpose.