Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard continue to leave the peloton in awe with their exceptional performances and relentless progression over the past four years. Their ability to maintain a high cadence and minimise fatigue has led to significant gaps between them and their competitors, sparking a debate over the legitimacy of their achievements.
The observation: significant gaps and broken records
Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar have demonstrated their dominance once again, leaving Remco Evenepoel around 5 minutes behind and João Almeida in 4th trailing nearly 12 minutes behind after Stage 15. These times, though impressive, are far from the questionable performances of the 90s and 2000s. As Alban Lorenzini, coach and trainer for Team U Nantes-Atlantique, remarked to Ouest France, “We are not yet dealing with extraterrestrials.”
Their success is not solely attributed to talent and effort. Technological innovations and targeted training play a crucial role. “As long as the cyclists arrive very early to perform at a very high level in the World Tour teams, these early recruitments do not only concern the Pogačar and Vingegaard duo,” explained Lorenzini. The emphasis on recovery times and specific training regimens allows even juniors to make significant progress. “My students recover quickly during their races,” he added.
The Slovenian and the Dane have showcased a spectacular progression, maintaining a high pace at a cadence of 100 rpm, much faster than most competitors. “Pogačar and Vingegaard survive mountain stages like the last three editions,” said Lorenzini. Their ability to climb at 25 km/h and favour high cadence rates on flat roads reduces fatigue significantly. Lorenzini observed, “He had always been able to keep a high pace but the Dane pushes the current limits even more.”
Innovations that don’t justify everything
While technological advancements contribute to their success, targeted training remains crucial. Starting from 2022, Pogačar began adjusting his goals, similar to Vingegaard’s approach from 2020 to 2023. A training programme aimed at reducing errors began in 2024.
Despite their technological advantages, it’s the specificity of their targeted training that sets Pogačar and Vingegaard apart. The consistency in their training methods continues to play a vital role in their performance. “Pogačar and his team have also progressed, and it is enough to follow Vingegaard,” said Lorenzini. “We then learned that this would be complicated for others and that gaps could still fall.”
“It is still important not to forget to work on the psychological aspect, the analysis of their postures, and their ability to manage long-distance rides as well as different cadences,” Lorenzini pointed out.
Lorenzini concluded, “Pogačar and Vingegaard have completed the necessary aspects. When it’s not one, it’s the other. They both use something that others don’t.”
Guimard criticises doping suspicions
The extraordinary feats of Pogačar and Vingegaard have sparked significant debate within the cycling community. Cyrille Guimard, a former professional cyclist and now a consultant, addressed the controversies surrounding these performances during his appearance on RMC‘s morning show on 16th July.
Expressing frustration over the recurring suspicions of doping, Guimard urged both teams and riders to avoid fuelling these debates. He pointed out that it’s not just fans, but also former cyclists, athletes from other disciplines, and other sports enthusiasts who are questioning the recent extraordinary feats.
Pogačar’s recent triumphs in the Pyrenees have particularly caught attention. His victory at Pla d’Adet saw him shatter Lance Armstrong’s record by two minutes, followed by another astounding performance on the ascent of Plateau de Beille, finishing in 39’41”, a significant improvement over Marco Pantani’s 43’20”. Both Armstrong and Pantani had histories of doping, which adds a layer of scrutiny to Pogačar’s achievements.
Nacer Bouhanni, who retired after a 12-year career in cycling, expressed his bewilderment on social media, while biathlete Emilien Jacquelin also shared cryptic messages reflecting a general sense of confusion.
Guimard sarcastically remarked about the performances, “I’m reassured,” indicating his expectation that the perennial issue of doping doubts would resurface. He criticised those who make sweeping statements without understanding the advancements in cycling.
The former Gitane-Campagnolo rider elaborated on the factors contributing to these record-breaking performances. According to Guimard, human evolution plays a role, with athletes today being physically stronger than those from decades past. He mentioned, “Today’s riders, at the same age as in the past, have between 50 and 100 watts more power. Over the last 25 years, the population has grown by about 20 cm.”
Guimard also highlighted the technological advancements in equipment and training. Bikes are now lighter, and training has become highly scientific, allowing riders to maintain peak performance even with less frequent racing. “We can measure everything now, which wasn’t possible 15 years ago,” he noted.
Addressing the persistent doping suspicions, Guimard argued that these doubts often come from within the peloton and their entourages. He explained, “The doubt comes from those who are defeated and can’t ride at the same speed.” He acknowledged the possibility of worst-case scenarios, including genetic doping, but stressed that it’s too simplistic to blame doping alone for the improved performances.
“When 15 riders go faster than Pantani or Armstrong, it’s not a doping issue. We are better trained, better prepared, and we have equipment that is more advanced than 15 or 20 years ago,” Guimard emphasised.
All photo credits: Getty