Bradley Wiggins Exclusive: The Dark Truth I Carried Through My Cycling Career & Finding New Purpose

[@HighPerformancePodcast]

🚨 Partners Huel 👉 Get an exclusive 15% by using code: HP at: hppod.co/HP Heights 👉 hppod.co/Heights Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: hppod.co/FORAHP

[@ryansuchodolski68]

Hearing Bradley has made me think more about myself and my mental health and all the effects it is having on my life. Also, hearing Bradley’s story has given me strength to keep going when I wonder if I still have the strength TO keep going. I’m a Veteran and have been through quite a bit. Thank you Bradley. I wish you all the best life can bring. You deserve to be happy!

[@windinthewillows6248]

Firstly thank for your service Ryan, secondly I’m pleased to hear your gaining strength from hearing people’s life experiences like Bradley. You also deserve to be happy, and I hope you can continue to gain mental strength and happiness in your life.

[@ATT-02]

There’s people out here like me, that are pulling for you. Never give up the good fight and remember, you’re helping people also. Thank you. 😊👏👏

[@Paul-q3q6u]

The entire interview was so eloquently spoken and heartfelt. Makes me think about my life .I wish Bradley all the best.

[@Gman-nb9ge]

agree, we are all human

[@kierancarrero9816]

Wow, what bravery to open up so fully and show the pain he’s experienced. Truly moving.

[@EL-dw6ws]

He would have to admit to systematic doping and pretty much scupper the entire legitimacy of english cycling, he would put them back decades.

[@kevinegan6311]

I wish Bradley nothing but the best. He has overcome so much and deserves it!!!

[@nelsonhibbert5267]

People have been through worse and won't ever get listened to. Celebrity types get far too much attention for things that happen to them. He's not doing this interview for free.

[@kevinegan6311]

@@nelsonhibbert5267 Yes, fair enough, I do agree with you. Still better to wish some well than not.

[@anthonykempton1414]

This should be watched by every up and coming sports person - our most successful Cyclist a man on top of his game - literally opening up in a deeply honest fashion. Opportunities to learn like this don’t happen often. It is a hard watch for sure, but honesty often is.

[@senyaw53]

I was in the same era of cycling and raced against Brads father here in Australia. My brother rode Madison’s and six days with him. I have followed Brads career with great interest and was quite disappointed at the negative stories during those “dark times “. I am so pleased to hear that he is moving forward and coming out on top again.

[@SasssyRita]

This is the most honest and deep interview I have listened too, this is what true growth is

[@rickylawrence3171]

open and vulnerable. dropping your guard. acceptng help. realising you arent perfect and were never meant to be. but also. that you are perfect, just like you are.

[@athelstan927]

I don't agree.. truth is most important! We as a 'developed' 😮 species, have learnt to make excuses.. hide behind them! Until we come away from them armed with exceptance, you'll always be wondering why, why, why? All these 'on the couch' programmes make the same mistakes! Own it! Own it all!

[@justenough3907]

wow, listening to Bradley tell his story of his family and life has blown me away. I grew up in west london not far from where bradley grew up also from a disfunctional family and hearing how bradley has struggled but come out fighting gives me strength to be better.

[@garethmartyndavies2250]

Cycling has saved me , every time I hit a downer, aged 65 now started racing 25 years old just riding through the wild natural wilderness is complete🇬🇧🙌❤️ 40 years marriage and three sons later “all roadies’” one lives in French alps 😩 what more can I say ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Sirloincloth1st]

Brad just became my hero all over again.

[@matthewdrake79]

Absolute hero, went from relatively unknown to household name in 2012 and well deserved. Wish him all the best for the future.

[@kacperkuca7795]

Great Conversation, Terrific to see Bradley back on his feet

[@DJR1409]

Anyone who was ever in doubt of the damage people can cause to children, in their later lives, this is a classic example. So much stored pain. Fair play to Bradley for his honesty, l wish him all the best in his ongoing recovery/growth.

[@melvinnoronha9948]

Really feel for him, you can sense it in his voice. So much behind everyones facade to one another.

[@SystemParanoia]

My daughters all race Wiggins bikes!! Never forgotten mate!!

[@msemmahale4608]

Sir Bradley reminds one of a Greek Hero in a tragedy - he has attained glorious heights in his cycling career and then fell so low. I am happy that he made it through his dark night of the soul and is here to speak about it today. His honesty is so refreshing. In this interview and others, he comes across as a very relatable and likable fellow. Loads of respect to him even more so than before. Best of luck to him.

[@dutchrye]

As a long-time cycling fan who marveled in Bradley's amazingly dominating 2012 season, what is one thousand times more impressive is the level of insight and self-awareness Bradley shows in this interview. Those of us who had seen interviews of Bradley during his cycling years know what an unbelievable transformation has occurred with him with regards to his openness and willingness to be vulnerable in discussing some deeply private and hurtful aspects of his life publicly like this. This is a great reminder of the transformative healing that can take place in yourself when you confront your inner pain and struggles and how sharing those similar challenges can help others as well. Bradley, thank you so much for your willingness to share this. Even with all your impressive cycling palmares, your greatest achievement in life may very well be all those you're helped by being vulnerable enough to share this.

[@PB22559]

I'd tend to agree with most of that. One thing that stands out to me though is how relaxed, nonchalant and coherent he was when he used to be interviewed back in the day, even though he claimed to be an introvert and was 'difficult' to deal with. His cadence is more nervous and hesitant here, which might be partly down to him opening up about some uncomfortable topics but I think he's being overly harsh on who he felt he was as a person (worthless etc) in the past. He seems to be overanalysing things at times. I feel he's lost some of his intuition and humour and seems to be stuck in his intellect. The intellect is a great tool for practical purposes but it can only get you so far. To my eyes and ears, he doesn't seem to be at ease with himself despite him saying he's doing better now than before. Being comfortable in the present moment requires a strong sense of intuition, not intellect. In saying that, I have a ton of respect and admiration for him and wish him nothing but the best. He's a cycling legend and is a fascinating character.

[@BeatPoet67]

@@PB22559 The "relaxed, nonchalent" Bradley was just a character he used to wear to avoid showing the real Bradley. He's spoken about this as well.

[@paulwatkinson1244]

Great interview. Brave, open and honest. Inspirational.

[@patrickdaly685]

Jeez thank you Bradley for your contributions to cycling and opening up on mental health and how vulnerable we all are deep down you are a true gentleman and hero status after reading this story

[@martinlowe9305]

I think that interview was as great an achievement as anything you did on the bike. Best wishes going forward Bradley.

[@sangkyukim4427]

Incredibly moving. Thank you for the opportunity to listen.

[@stephencresswell9711]

A man emerging from a dark place. I wish Sir Bradley success and happiness in whatever form it might be.

[@mad4tar77]

Wow. This is an interview I won't forget watching, Bradley has been through alot, more than anyone ever should have to. The word inspirational is thrown about far too often, this interview genuinely is inspirational. Bradley, I wish you, and your family, the best very best.

[@linesided]

Don't stay quiet about your problems in life. There is always someone out there who can help you. Thanks for this video to highlight the dangers of silent suffering.

[@chrisjacksonmakesstuff]

Huge respect, Bradley.

[@zoomerzoomer-jn7rf]

When I tried watching his interview with lance Armstrong I had to switch off after 10 minutes, lance talked 90% of the time! Thanks for letting him talk.

[@WilfShadow]

Something I'm confused at unless this is recorded ages ago, he says he's had no therapy, but "apparently" Lance is paying for his therapy sessions genuinely confused what the deal is?

[@zoomerzoomer-jn7rf]

@WilfShadow I think he said Lance has offered to pay for it.And he may take it up

[@WilfShadow]

@zoomerzoomer-jn7rf cheers for that 👍 It makes sense now.

[@martinobyrne9129]

Massive respect to Bradley . I can relate to him when he talks about self destruction. Really great to see him in a good place.

[@scottperry7663]

All the best Bradley! Your honesty is your strength now in your life . Great man .

[@catherineadair5677]

Very brave to talk about such personal issues, to help others.

[@jasonjenkins1975]

massive respect to you Sir Brad you inspire not only the cycling community but the whole world....Thank you for speaking out you are a true legend

[@veloman59]

All things taken aside I have a great deal of sympathy for Bradley. The thing that almost brought me to tears is when in the first part he said "I was in a very dark place, in a dark room" and effectively his son came and rescued him. Keep going Bradley

[@ppjac6425]

I wish Bradley nothing but the best

[@li4msmith]

Fantastic episode, Bradley is clearly still on a road to full recovery and I hope he got a lot out of this podcast for himself personally. Respect to Damian and Jake, the questions you asked created such great answers and really challenged Brads thinking. I’ve listened to HP from the get go and can clearly see how much you have improved as a podcaster/ interviewer Damian.

[@stuartorton1959]

High performance is getting up at six o'clock every morning for forty years to make a family life because that takes something mental strength.

[@memememe2083]

Six o'clock in the morning is a real lie in. Speaking as someone who has worked in hospitality and also worked with animals.

[@Radchenister]

Huge respect for Bradley, facing up to things. He’s certainly a battler, hearing the story behind the troubles, it now all makes sense. Hopefully life will be more balanced now, not to forget or tarnish the accomplishments to date. I have a picture of him with my son, when he presented the prizes at the ToB, hardly anyone else will remember it, as he was barely seen by anyone off stage. He took the time to for us to have a quick pic though, we didn’t speak much, no need, I said “you’re a gent”, which he is. He’s been an inspiration for this family. Best wishes to him and his family.

[@Balloonclips]

I remember being shocked by the bollocking his step Dad gave him after a schoolboy race at Eastaway, even though he was winning everything back then as a kid. And I lived in Gent in 1978/80. I car pooled to work shifts in the chemical factory in Sas van Gent with Garry everyday through the winter. And we'd train on Gent track when we weren't working. Cycling delivered a very different experience to me. Much less achievement but meeting outstanding people who looked after me. Watching this I feel like I should have intervened at Eastway on behalf of Garry, and, I wonder if I'd realised how damaged Garry was, I would have shown him more of the kindness that was clearly absent in his life. Garry is known as a hard man, lots of fights, lots of drugs, but who knows what he was hiding inside. Eventually all this will make sense Bradley, keep working at it. They don't give medals for insight, but it will be your crowning achievement.

[@catbells28]

All the best Brad. Look after yourself and take care.

[@planetbarton]

Been on a lot of leadership courses through work and had counselling recently. This hour watching Bradley ranks up there with some of the best learning I have received. Brilliant. Discipline, routine, accountability, fulfillment. Looking forward to his book.

[@christopherludlam1602]

Some great learnings from this conversation. A man in a hurry to explain himself. Sharp, self aware, intelligent, articulate, honest and surprising are all words that come to mind watching this. I found the discussion around ‘self-talk/ critisism’ when he makes a simple mistake an important lesson. A brilliant episode.

[@tannerslomko]

So pumped to have a legit interview with this man. Very cool. Thank you.

[@matthewlardner5328]

Inspirational in his sports career, inspirational in his travels through life Good luck buddy 🙏🏻

[@johnmcdonagh3811]

Elequent and articulate, I enjoyed that. Nice one, Bradley - very honest and interesting.

[@jenjen23ful]

Respect for honesty and vulnerability whilst also being extraordinary

[@shaffner2]

I truly hope you continue on a path of healing. I love hearing your voice and insight on the motos and such. Legend, stay well.

[@ShaunElliott-k2c]

Good on you Bradley all the best for the future your a absolute legend.

[@EvanJohn-z2d]

fabulous interview, glad to see Brad is on his way up, its the first time in 5 to 6 yrs that he actually is making sense. cheers

[@joeduffy4336]

Good to hear Bradley sounding a bit more together than he has done in recent times, obviously he has had a lot to work through as he talked about ..like he said best years are ahead 👍

[@ianslingsby3415]

To be honest this made me cry. Never liked Bradley the Tour Winning cyclist and I was in the sport. But I love Brad the person, please use your honesty to help others your have a unique skill and experience,

[@davidryan4053]

Honest and authentic. Wonderful interview; just wonderful. Left me thinking.

[@philipashbourn1538]

Wonderful interview. A lot of us have experienced life's up and downs. It is not always easy to face up to the bad times and your own part in them. Don't take the good times for granted. You have to work hard on these as well. Competitive cycling can take over your whole life and leave partners and family adrift. Stopping high level sport leaves many challenges as many others in other sports have found.

[@davidstephens106]

A great interview. A good example of growth through honest self-awareness.

[@stephenmorris6202]

He is charismatic, intelligent, articulate and determined. These are some of the characteristics that propelled him to success and also embedded his problems. But I think his greatest challenge has been life over the last 12.5 years. He is on his journey and he has made fabulous progress (imo listening to him). I wish him all the best. Selfishly, I hope he will be able to contribute to cycling. For me he has that Michael Johnson like charisma and authority and will help people share in the fascination of the sport. But if not cycling, he has other things to contribute. Thank you for the interview.

[@richardbarlow6774]

I re bear watching Bradley in the time trail in Cobham and there was no way he wasn’t going to win! Just awe inspiring! All the very best for the future!

[@JohnSmyth-g6l]

An immense interview! Well done to all. Especially Sir Bradley Wiggins.

[@59trevski]

Incredible interview, so brave to open up on your past life in this way. Such a cool man, I wish you all the best in life👊

[@gretskycompton]

You are the hero Bradley ❤

[@stevebassett8944]

wow, Sir Bradley, what an inspiration, thank you

[@frankdee8680]

Very moving and brutally honest interview 👍 Wish you all the best for the future lad ❤

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Really impressive episode, not often that anyone will talk so openly. Lance Armstrong is still a divisive figure, but love or hate him, you can't knock him for reaching out to Sir Brad, welcoming him into his home when Brad was having a tough time & offering a helping hand. Cyclists often pay a heavy price. RIP Marco Pantani.

[@mtns7036]

'What we are looking for, is inside where we are looking from. Chin up Bradley.

[@petedougan5682]

Absolutely fixed to this interview . I take alot from this . Thank-you Bradley.

[@davidbacon2726]

I wish Bradley continued recovery and happiness

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

deserves huge respect as a person & athlete 🚴 so open & modest.ben has a special father 👌

[@RussellTurner]

These ads are like when your aunty joins a multi level marketing programme. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@AndreS_22246]

I think the in programme ones are too. These days we’re told about the problems of highly processed food, and Jake is advertising Huel. Ethics? Double 🤦‍♂️

[@martinooo29]

The most valuable content I have watched on internet recently. Inspiring!!! Thank you.

[@robertnobles8189]

Great interview! Astounding self-awareness. I think a bit of counseling would give him even more, and probably more peace, and maybe the direction he admits he is looking for.

[@truthseeker5590]

Bravo! What a warrior. Inspirational ❤

[@G.ICECOOL]

never judge a book by the cover wow,big up Bradley wiggins class!!!

[@chrisling7035]

wow, we are unfortunately in part products of our parents., good and bad. Such an honest and laying bear of such deep rooted issues. i wish you all the best Bradley and peace in your future years.

[@danbanham728]

A very thought provoking watch, great video.

[@daviddjerassi]

A DAMN FINE BLOKE ONE IN TEN MILLION I WISH YOU A GREAT FUTURE BRADLEY WIGGINS.

[@Phil.Austin]

Keep up the hard work......high performance in all aspects. Respect!!

[@jarman7765]

Arguably your best interview/guest yet

[@robd2184]

Good man . Keep going . I can take a lot of lessons from this - discipline and fulfilment over short term happiness , makes sense

[@sarahdisco-dolly1150]

Brilliant Interview, I still remember that 2012 Time Trial, he was a flying machine.

[@KOL630]

Really interesting, moving and authentic interview. Keep going Brad 🙏🏻

[@Bargos1968]

This is deep, thankyou Bradley and good luck in the future.

[@calebmiles]

I don't think Bradley will be aware how many people he has helped by being so open and vulnerable

[@markyb3513]

Top, top bloke. Proud of him 👏

[@JonSmitty-c7q]

i met bradleys dad at mrs deanes in zomergem in belgium in 1982 , i was 16 , left home , was on my own , life was really hard for some guys then , like gary , they had to be hard as, i would love to talk to brad about it

[@DavisZikis]

Amazing person. Thank you for the interview.

[@lsantilli]

I don't know much about much, but I do know I will instantly buy this book when he's done.

[@jasonarday4014]

Very, very good. Really well done guys. Exceptional stuff.

[@Grandadgreyhair]

Really interesting interview, great athlete becoming a good human being good luck Bradley

[@ifitrollsrideit530]

I went to one of Wigo's hosted events. Brad went through a lot of this and it was painful to watch. You could see that it was painful to speak about but yet he was sort of obliged to do so as he was close to bankruptcy. I felt very odd having bought a ticket and put him through that. Bradley Wiggins is still one of my all time favourite rides and probably always will be. I hope he gets his love of cycling back again but if he doesn't I hope he finds a bit of peace.

[@ChinaRides1]

Such honesty

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Great interview and you would be heartless not to wish Brad well. Yes Lance did something wrong but how many years as he got to keep paying for it. I have watched enough video's of him helping others and giving out bikes to kids to know he's a nice fella.

[@tomrees4812]

Always interesting to hear what Brad has to say. I really hope he can use is obvious other talents going forward. I never thought he was someone who is just up their own arse. The only time I saw him race was on Mont Ventoux in the 2007 Dauphine when he was off the back with David Millar. Some French git really rubbed it in. Thanks Brad for 2012.

[@rachelyoung2363]

What a great man he is.

[@richardhowarth4230]

I hope you find some peace Bradley ❤️❤️

[@chrisgosling5408]

Important to accept the pleasure in simple jobs well done and spending time in the present exclusively from time to time.

[@itsianwood]

Really fantastic!!!

[@beverleynoble190]

Love Bradley what a great man ❤

[@bigglesm3456]

inspirational wiggo, realise now why you are so good … you’re an aussie!!!!

[@EWAkornik]

very emotional

[@MarioKurill]

hope to see him back on eurosport for the next tdf

[@stephenyates3085]

A great insight into Sir Bradley Wiggins take on who,what,where,when and why and his personal journey through his career and motivations…..thank you and great respect for telling us. regarding his comments about Armstrong who as we all know was a drugs cheat let’s just take a moment and say that he was not the only one by any measure and remember Richard Virenque who denied everything,wrote a book regarding his innocence and finally admitted he did take drugs. He has been allowed to keep his many King of the Mountains titles but Armstrong was stripped of his wins. Fair or not I’ll leave you to decide?

[@thesteeley2082]

Brad', you ARE enough mate and you'll get there (said with a real northern accent ) 😉