Slovenian cyclist Matej Mohoric (Team Bahrain Victorious) was the recipient of much praise over the last day, not only due to his win on stage 19 of the Tour de France, but also for his post-race interview.
The 28-year-old spoke to reporters, after what was his third ever stage win at the race, and gave a deeply honest and emotional interview, and an insight into the struggles and emotions felt by pro cyclists.
It means a lot. It’s hard and cruel to be a pro cyclist. You sacrifice so much, your family does too and then you realize everyone is so so strong. Sometimes you feel you don’t belong here.
I followed Asgreen and tried my best for Gino and for the team. Everyone works so hard, the mechanics, the physios.
I felt for Ben who had no chance and felt like I betrayed Kasper but in cycling you just want to win. I feel so many things right now. I know how a Tour de France stage win changes your life and I wish everyone could win a stage in the Tour de France.
Tour De France Cyclist Give Poignant Interview
All the emotions for Matej Mohoric after that stage win.
What an interview! 👏 #TDF2023 @matmohoric pic.twitter.com/oX81BNW31J
— NBC Sports Cycling (@NBCSCycling) July 21, 2023
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Mohoric also spoke about his former teammate Gino Mader who tragically passed away after a crash at the Tour de Suisse in June.
"We spend more time with teammates than family sometimes, and we feel really close to them and attached.
"We spend more time with our team-mates than with our family. (His death) puts everything in perspective and makes you doubt what you do but at the end of the day the world moves on. I really wanted to give my best because he can't anymore.
"Fortunately, I was not in Suisse, because I don't know how I would have handled that situation. It puts everything in perspective and makes you doubt your career and what you do."
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