Tadej Pogačar's VO2 Max: A New Study Reveals Record-Breaking Performance

A groundbreaking analysis indicates that professional cyclist Tadej Pogačar might possess an extraordinary maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) of up to 96 milliliters per kilogram per minute, positioning him as an unparalleled physiological specimen among Tour de France champions. This remarkable finding stems from a meticulous examination of his climbing prowess during several critical mountain stages, underscoring a level of athletic capability that redefines previous benchmarks. The study sheds light on the intense physical demands of elite cycling and Pogačar's exceptional capacity to meet them.

VO2 max quantifies the peak rate at which an individual's body can utilize oxygen during strenuous physical exertion. Typically, male professional cyclists demonstrate values ranging from the mid-70s to the high-80s. Historically, only a select few have surpassed the 90 mark. For instance, five-time Tour de France victor Miguel Induráin was noted for an impressive VO2 max of 88, a figure mirrored by four-time champion Chris Froome. Another five-time winner, Greg Lemond, reported his VO2 max to be around 93, illustrating the caliber of athletes who reach such levels.

Last week, the Journal of Science & Cycling published a comprehensive analysis by Norwegian researcher Ole Kristian Berg, which posits an even higher estimated VO2 max for Pogačar. Berg's research focused on Pogačar's dominant climbing displays across six mountain stage victories in the 2024 and 2025 Tours de France. These included notable ascents such as the Plateau de Beille, Isola 2000, and Col de la Couillole in 2024, alongside Hautacam, Peyragudes, and Mont Ventoux in 2025.

To arrive at these estimates, Berg employed publicly available data, including Pogačar's recorded body dimensions (176cm height, 66kg weight), an estimated bike weight of 7.2kg, and his climbing times. From these inputs, he calculated Pogačar's critical power – defined as the maximum power a rider can sustain for approximately 40 minutes. Leveraging the established physiological principle that critical power typically occurs at 85-90% of an individual's VO2 max, Berg then deduced Pogačar's VO2 max.

The findings revealed that Pogačar consistently maintained a power output between 6.4 and 7 watts per kilogram across these six climbs, averaging 442 watts. His most astonishing performance occurred during the time trial up Peyragudes in stage 13 of the 2025 Tour, where he was estimated to have produced 7 w/kg, equivalent to 462 watts. Similar exceptional values were observed during his victory on the Plateau de Beille in stage 15 of the 2024 Tour, where he significantly outpaced rival Jonas Vingegaard after enduring four prior category-one climbs.

Berg noted in his study, "The figures derived for the Plateau de Beille in 2024 suggest that the VO2 max during this race was within the range of 91–96ml/kg/min for this cyclist, likely tending towards the upper end, considering the cumulative fatigue from previous stages might have slightly reduced his critical power compared to optimal, fresh conditions." These calculated values could be even higher if tested in a laboratory setting, free from the exhaustion inherent in a grueling three-week Grand Tour and the variable pacing of race dynamics. While acknowledging that his analysis did not account for wind resistance or drafting effects, Berg affirmed that a VO2 max in the mid-90s is a "reasonable" conclusion, particularly given Pogačar's consistent performance and the fact that one of the analyzed events was a time trial, eliminating drafting as a factor.

The highest documented VO2 max is believed to belong to Oskar Svendsen, a former junior time trial world champion, who recorded 97.5 ml/kg/min at the age of 18 in 2012. Svendsen, however, later retired from cycling, citing a lack of motivation. Notably, the father of two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard claimed in 2023 that his son's VO2 max was recorded at an astounding 97 when he was 17, although no corroborating evidence was provided for this figure. For context, a 'good' VO2 max for a 40-year-old non-professional male athlete is typically around 41, and 35 for women.

The study’s insights into Pogačar's physiological capabilities offer a compelling glimpse into the future of elite cycling. The consistency and sheer power demonstrated by Pogačar across diverse and demanding mountain stages, particularly in Grand Tour settings, solidify his position as a rider pushing the boundaries of human endurance. This research not only celebrates his current achievements but also sets a new benchmark for aspiring athletes, leaving anticipation for further exceptional performances in future competitions.