Michael Matthews, a fellow cyclist and training partner of Tadej Pogacar, reveals a mind-boggling experience that showcases the World Champion's extraordinary talent. Matthews, an accomplished sprinter and climber, shares a story that will leave you questioning the limits of human ability.
In a recent training session, Pogacar shattered his own climbing record on the iconic Col de la Madone, a mountain that has witnessed the trials of legends like Lance Armstrong and Chris Froome. This mountain, a mere 14.5 kilometers long with a 7% gradient, has become a battleground for the world's best cyclists, and Pogacar has just laid down a new challenge.
Matthews recalls the day on the Roadman podcast, "We rode for an hour, pushing ourselves to the limit. Then, Tadej went on to break his personal record on Madone." But here's where it gets extraordinary: "He just rode past me like it was a casual training ride, while I was giving it my all at nearly 400 watts!"
The Australian cyclist, who has witnessed Pogacar's prowess firsthand, is still in awe. "You don't truly understand what you're seeing. It's mind-blowing how effortlessly he climbs at such speed." This is a man who has won the Tour de France, World Championships, and countless other races, yet his training partners are still left speechless.
But there's more to this story. Matthews reveals that Pogacar beat his previous record by a staggering 45 seconds! "He even beat Richie Porte's time when he was in prime form before winning the Tour de France." And while Matthews acknowledges the advancements in bike technology, he's certain that Pogacar's talent is the real game-changer.
This is a tale that highlights the fine line between the extraordinary and the unbelievable. Is Pogacar's talent simply a product of modern cycling technology, or is he a once-in-a-generation talent? The debate is sure to spark controversy among cycling enthusiasts. What do you think? Are we witnessing the evolution of the sport, or is it a case of technology masking the true essence of cycling?
