Pogačar's maximum oxygen intake is estimated at more than 90 ml/kg/min - which is significantly higher than the values of previous Tour winners.
Tadej Pogačar with record figures on legendary climbs
Scientists have analysed the physiological requirements of Tadej Pogačar and his dominant climbs in the last two Tours de France. Ole Kristian Berg from Molde University College analysed six decisive climbs from 2024 and 2025 using publicly available Strava data, Pogacars Body measurements of 176 cm in height and 66 kg in weight as well as validated mechanical models for power calculation. The racing bike used weighed 7.2 kg.
The climbs analysed included Plateau de Beille, Isola 2000, Col de la Couillole from 2024 and Hautacam, Peyragudes and Mont Ventoux from 2025. Pogačar took between 17:56 minutes for Peyragudes and 53:47 minutes for Mont Ventoux. The metres in altitude varied between 564 metres at Peyragudes and 1569 metres at Mont Ventoux. All six rides ended with stage wins for the UAE Team Emirates captain. In the past, the Slovenian has already provided insights into his training and Training values given.
Average 442 watts over 40 minutes
The calculations resulted in an average power of 442 watts with a standard deviation of 15 watts. In relation to body weight, this corresponds to 6.7 watts per kilogramme. The highest calculated power was achieved by Tadej Pogačar with 462 watts at Peyragudes, the lowest with 421 watts at Mont Ventoux. The average climbing time was 40 minutes with a deviation of 13 minutes.
To validate the calculation model, the researchers used data from Derek Gee from the Israel-Premier Tech Team. The Canadian had published his power meter data on Strava during stage 15 in 2024. The model achieved an accuracy of 96 per cent compared to the measured values. The scientists therefore added four per cent to their theoretical calculations.
Tadej Pogacar's oxygen consumption reaches extreme levels
The corresponding oxygen uptake averaged 80 ml per kilogramme of body weight per minute. The researchers assumed an efficiency of 23 per cent, which corresponds to the highest values measured in previous Tour winners. On the Plateau de Beille, Pogacar reached 82 ml/kg/min, at Peyragudes even 84 ml/kg/min. These values are well above the 80 ml/kg/min that is the minimum requirement for Tour winners.
The analysis takes into account aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance and work against gravity. The drag coefficient was calculated as 0.45, based on Pogacar's body measurements. The researchers used a rolling resistance coefficient of 0.0026 for the Continental tyres used. A transmission efficiency of 98 per cent was included in the calculations.
Maximum oxygen uptake over 90 ml/kg/min
The scientists extrapolated Pogačar's maximum oxygen uptake from the climbing values. For top cyclists, the critical power is between 85 and 90 per cent of VO2max. The calculated 417 watts of critical power indicate a maximum oxygen uptake of between 91 and 96 ml/kg/min. Former Tour winners achieved values of 81 to 84 ml/kg/min in laboratory tests.
The study takes into account that stages lasting several hours and the stress of previous race days can reduce efficiency. This would place the actual maximum oxygen uptake even higher. Tadej Pogačar himself emphasises the importance of heart rate as a physiological indicator over pure performance values. The heart rate reacts more directly to the actual physical exertion.
Pogacar: Records on historic climbs
Tadej Pogačar's dominance on the Plateau de Beille was particularly impressive. All three first-placed riders in stage 2024 beat Marco Pantani's record from 1998. Pogačar needed 38:38 minutes for the 1217 metres in altitude. With Jonas Vingegaard's attack and Pogačar's counterattack, the instantaneous values were probably significantly higher than the calculated average values. However, the study analyses the complete climbs from start to finish.
Wind conditions and slipstreaming can influence the power requirements. In laboratory tests, slipstreaming on steep climbs reduces the power required by around seven per cent. In races, the conditions are more complex and the effect over complete climbs is smaller. The climb to Peyragudes was ridden as an individual time trial without the slipstream effect.
Limits of human endurance
The results emphasise the physiological requirements for success in Grand Tours. Coaches, scientists and athletes receive guidelines for training planning and performance diagnostics. The theoretical calculations are based on established scientific methods, but remain estimates. Factors such as wind conditions and tactical considerations influence the actual values.
The Tour de France 2026 promises further highlights with the Col du Galibier as the highest point at 2642 metres. Successive arrivals at Alpe d'Huez will set new standards. Continuous improvements in training, equipment and rider physiology are pushing the limits of human endurance performance even higher.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
