Tadej Pogačar Declares War for the 2025 Tour de France—Reveals Emotional Oath Tied to Samuele Privitera’s Collapse

In a stunning turn of events, cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar has publicly declared his intention to wage an all-out war for the 2025 Tour de France. But beneath the surface of this fiery declaration lies a deeply personal story—one tied to a moment that has shocked not only the cycling community but the entire world of sports.
Earlier this month, during a private training session in Italy, promising Italian cyclist Samuele Privitera collapsed suddenly and was rushed to the hospital. His condition sent waves of concern across the cycling world. Behind the headlines, however, there was a moment few knew about—until now. According to insiders close to Pogačar, the Slovenian champion made a “secret oath” at Privitera’s hospital bedside before the young cyclist lost consciousness, an oath that is now fueling his Tour de France campaign.
Pogačar’s relationship with Privitera goes beyond mere professional camaraderie. Sources reveal that the two shared numerous private training camps, late-night talks, and mutual respect as athletes who pushed each other to new limits. When Privitera collapsed, Pogačar was one of the first to arrive at the hospital. There, according to team insiders, he whispered words to his friend that he had never shared publicly—until now.
In a press conference today, Pogačar finally broke his silence. With emotion visible in his eyes, he shared the words he had meant to say fully to Privitera but never had the chance. “I told him I would ride this Tour not just for myself but for the bond we share. I said, ‘I will trade everything I have just to make sure I leave no regrets, and to give you the greatest respect I know how to give—a fight at the highest level.’”
These words are now echoing across the sports world. Fans and commentators alike are calling this the most emotional and personal motivation Pogačar has ever revealed. While his past victories were driven by competitiveness and the pursuit of greatness, this year’s Tour carries a deeper, more human meaning.
Privitera remains in stable but critical condition, with doctors still monitoring his recovery. Messages of support have flooded social media from across the cycling community. Riders like Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard have voiced their respect for Pogačar’s statement, acknowledging that the 2025 Tour de France may now carry a heavier emotional weight than any Grand Tour in recent memory.
The stakes are clear. Pogačar’s declaration of “war” is not just a media soundbite—it’s a personal mission. He has vowed to race every stage of the Tour with relentless passion, carrying the invisible weight of a promise made beside a hospital bed. He has also called upon fans to rally behind not just him, but the entire cycling community, as a symbol of unity in moments of hardship.
As the Tour approaches, the cycling world will watch with anticipation—not just for the battle between riders but for the emotional journey that now defines this season. Pogačar is no longer riding solely for yellow jerseys or headlines. He is riding for something much more profound: a friendship, a promise, and a commitment to never leave words unsaid again.