Recorded by Tom Mustroph
TOUR: What were the most important changes in Pogačar's preparation that made him so superior in 2024?
Javier Sola: It wasn't such a big change. He already had a good basis. We added some strength training. The composition of his body has also changed and he has worked more with the time trial bike. We have increased the intensity, which has been a bit low in recent years. But it's also because he's getting older, he's gaining experience and we wanted to set slightly different stimuli.
TOUR: Jeroen, you've been with us for a long time; what do you think are the most important impulses that Javier Sola has given to Pogačar's training?
Jeroen Swart: I would also mention the strength training and the higher intensities. But heat training was also important, especially the combination of heat and altitude training.
TOUR: What exactly are the benefits?
Jeroen Swart: We know that altitude training stimulates the formation of red blood cells. At the same time, however, the volume of blood plasma is reduced, which means that the blood loses liquid components. And this has negative effects on the entire circulatory system. Heat training has the opposite effect. The plasma volume can be increased by up to 25 per cent. Last year we did sessions at 35 degrees with 90 per cent humidity. We found that this can even stimulate the kidneys to produce more haemoglobin. In addition, a larger volume of blood plasma ensures that more blood can reach the skin to regulate body temperature.
TOUR: Where do you see room for improvement at Pogačar for the coming season?
Javier Sola: It's difficult to say. I don't have a crystal ball to consult either. We'll just keep working every day. The most important thing is that Tadej stays motivated and wants to improve and win races.
Jeroen Swart: There may still be a little room for improvement in strength training. This is important for maintaining a good position on the bike in order to produce optimum performance. But apart from that, I hardly see any deficits in him. I think if we continue to work on all these factors - not forgetting nutrition - then that will lead to further minor progress. But it would also be good if we could simply maintain last season's level.
TOUR: Cycling is becoming more and more data-driven. Where do you see the greatest potential for improvement?
Jeroen Swart: There is no one specific data set. I don't want to give away too many secrets. But what we are currently looking at is the average maximum output. This has turned out to be interesting over the last few years. Ultimately, it's about measuring fatigue resistance and finding out how it affects performance. Of course, nutrition also plays a role here. We have published a few studies on this.
TOUR: And then you also use artificial intelligence. Could you explain that in more detail?
Jeroen Swart: Together with our partners in the United Arab Emirates, we have developed a platform that incorporates all the data we receive from the drivers via the various devices, performance data, sleep data, but also personal assessments of well-being. We call the AI Anna. And she gives us really unique tips. We just have to learn to ask her the right questions.
TOUR: Can you give some examples of how they are used?
Jeroen Swart: The last time we were with our partners, we watched a particular stage of the Tour de France. We put on the data glasses. The AI created a 3D profile of the stage. We then asked Anna how the race developed and what stories she could tell based on the data, especially about Tadej. We then saw things that we would have missed by studying the video or analysing the data in the normal way. Artificial intelligence can be really transformative here.
TOUR: Have you ever asked Anna how to win Milan-San Remo?
Jeroen Swart: Not yet. But that's a good idea. I'll ask her next week and see what she says. I certainly won't tell you the answer. But maybe she already knows how the race will go.
