Witnessing Tadej Pogacar's climbing prowess in training is an awe-inspiring experience, according to Michael Matthews, a fellow rider who trains with the World Champion in Monaco. Matthews, who knows Pogacar's capabilities well, recounted a recent training session at Col de la Madone, a renowned mountain climb near Monaco and Nice. This 14.5-kilometer ascent at a 7% gradient is a popular testing ground and training spot for top cyclists.
During this session, Pogacar shattered his own climbing record, leaving Matthews and others in awe. Matthews described the intensity of their training ride, noting that Pogacar pushed himself to the limit for an hour, maintaining a high zone two and low zone three effort. The result? A new record time on the challenging Madone climb.
What's remarkable is Pogacar's approach to Strava, a popular cycling app. Unlike most riders who take it easy on the climb before attempting a record, Pogacar simply aimed to break the record. Matthews humorously recalled, "He just went for it, and blew up Strava!" This display of raw power and determination is a testament to Pogacar's exceptional climbing ability.
Despite being a sprinter, Matthews is no stranger to climbing prowess. He shared an anecdote about training with Pogacar, where the UAE Team Emirates rider effortlessly flew past him during the climb. Matthews, impressed by Pogacar's speed, noted his power output, reaching nearly 400 watts, and described the scene as "mind-blowing."
The success of Tadej Pogacar in professional cycling is no coincidence. His dominance in races like the Tour de France and World Championships is well-deserved. Matthews, who trains closely with Pogacar, attributes his own motivation and progress to their time together. Pogacar's training sessions often result in record-breaking times, as he recently surpassed his own record by a significant margin, a feat that even Lance Armstrong couldn't match on the same climb.
However, Matthews acknowledges the role of modern technology in cycling performance. The advancements in bike technology, wheels, and tires have undoubtedly contributed to Pogacar's success. Yet, the sight of Pogacar's effortless climbing speed remains a testament to his extraordinary talent, leaving witnesses like Matthews in awe.
