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

[@HighPerformancePodcast]

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[@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.

[@SasssyRita]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@melvinnoronha9948]

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

[@kacperkuca7795]

Great Conversation, Terrific to see Bradley back on his feet

[@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.

[@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.

[@SystemParanoia]

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

[@matthewdrake79]

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

[@martinlowe9305]

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

[@chrisjacksonmakesstuff]

Huge respect, Bradley.

[@paulwatkinson1244]

Great interview. Brave, open and honest. Inspirational.

[@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

[@sangkyukim4427]

Incredibly moving. Thank you for the opportunity to listen.

[@ppjac6425]

I wish Bradley nothing but the best

[@tannerslomko]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@catherineadair5677]

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

[@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.

[@Sirloincloth1st]

Brad just became my hero all over again.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@matthewlardner5328]

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

[@davidstephens106]

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

[@johnmcdonagh3811]

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

[@jenjen23ful]

Respect for honesty and vulnerability whilst also being extraordinary

[@stephencresswell9711]

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

[@scottperry7663]

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

[@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.

[@frankdee8680]

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

[@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

[@JohnSmyth-g6l]

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

[@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 👍

[@gretskycompton]

You are the hero Bradley ❤

[@daveansell2418]

Such honesty and bravery, what a great interview and all the very best Bradley!

[@stevebassett8944]

wow, Sir Bradley, what an inspiration, thank you

[@davidryan4053]

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

[@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.

[@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👊

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@petedougan5682]

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

[@truthseeker5590]

Bravo! What a warrior. Inspirational ❤

[@Matt-xe2lm]

A very brave man ...and a world class rider in his day. Sky of course was.incredible what he achieved. But I will always remember how he followed wheels for 3 weeks at the Tour the year before with Garmin ...what grit, true class

[@davidbacon2726]

I wish Bradley continued recovery and happiness

[@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.

[@martinooo29]

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

[@ShaunElliott-k2c]

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

[@jarman7765]

Arguably your best interview/guest yet

[@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 🤦‍♂️

[@daviddjerassi]

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

[@KOL630]

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

[@Phil.Austin]

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

[@robd2184]

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

[@markyb3513]

Top, top bloke. Proud of him 👏

[@Bargos1968]

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

[@sarahdisco-dolly1150]

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

[@DavisZikis]

Amazing person. Thank you for the interview.

[@ChinaRides-u3t]

Such honesty

[@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

[@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.

[@calebmiles]

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

[@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.

[@Grandadgreyhair]

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

[@richardhowarth4230]

I hope you find some peace Bradley ❤️❤️

[@beverleynoble190]

Love Bradley what a great man ❤

[@rachelyoung2363]

What a great man he is.

[@itsianwood]

Really fantastic!!!

[@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.

[@bigglesm3456]

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

[@chrisgosling5408]

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

[@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?

[@TODDYS-MDS]

Top man and sportsman

[@thesteeley2082]

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

[@andyuxd]

Proper male role model. Good on ya Bradley 💙

[@MarioKurill]

hope to see him back on eurosport for the next tdf

[@funkyrodent66]

Legend.

[@timrichardson2]

One of the best interviews I've seen...Respect...But those chairs, how uncomfortable do they look!

[@irunoffroad]

It’s a cliché but Brad has gone from being a hero through to a mess and he appears to be well on the way back to finding himself again. That twinkle is back in his eye. Good luck Brad we are on your side

[@chrispig7748]

I was abused by my parents, emotional/ psychological abuse, childhood neglect. I am now in my 50s . You can never recover, you can only manage as best you can. Counselling, medication is BS. Best day of my life was seeing my parents buried

[@boudoir00]

Great interview, I really enjoyed it. But those seats must have been so uncomfortable!

[@michaelbritton9778]

Brilliant cyclist. Wonderful interview.