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 the Col de la Madone, a renowned mountain climb near Monaco and Nice. This 14.5-kilometer ascent at a 7% gradient is a favorite among top cyclists for its challenging yet rewarding nature.
During this training session, Pogacar shattered his own climbing record, leaving Matthews and others in awe. Matthews described the intensity of their training, pushing themselves to their limits for an hour in a high zone two, low zone three effort. Pogacar then proceeded to break his record, astonishing the cycling community.
The Australian rider humorously recalled Pogacar's approach to the climb, stating, 'I'm going to see if I can break this record.' This mindset, combined with Pogacar's exceptional climbing speed, made him appear almost effortless as he soared past Matthews.
Pogacar's dominance in the sport is not a fluke. He has consistently proven his excellence, winning the Tour de France, World Championships, and several prestigious races. Even those who train with him regularly struggle to adapt to his extraordinary abilities.
Matthews shared a striking example of Pogacar's speed, noting that he broke his previous record by a significant margin, surpassing Richie Porte's time. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering the technological advancements in cycling, including improved bikes, wheels, and tires.
Despite the influence of these factors, Matthews was still left in awe, exclaiming, 'Oh wow, that was incredible.' The training sessions with Pogacar have had a profound impact on Matthews, inspiring his own motivation and evolution on the bike.
