318 - The Meteoric Rise of Tadej Pogačar: From Prodigy to Cycling Legend

[@PeterAttiaMD]

We discuss: 0:01:38 - 2020 Tour de France win 0:06:54 - Learning from previous mistakes 0:09:04 - Training: simulating steep climbs and other challenging race conditions 0:11:49 - Tadej’s historic 2024 season and what contributed to his success 0:15:30 - Nutrition for optimal performance: offseason diet and carbohydrate intake during intense training sessions 0:18:51 - Training metrics: heart rate, power output, VAM, and HRV, and his approach to zone 2 training 0:28:11 - Epic climbs in the Tour de France, mindset after challenging stages, and rebuilding confidence after the 2023 Tour 0:36:35 - Racing dynamics, media criticism, and Tadej’s reflections on racing records 0:45:02 - Training in the off-season

[@franciscolourenco4450]

Amaizing interview, cirurgical questions and very honest answers from Tadeu. Thank you for this free content!

[@Anon-oy1sf]

Why did you delete your smug answer in regards to the valid doping question further down? You provided some made up numbers without any knowledge that suggested that Lance and Pantani did a lot better numbers than Tadej. Why don't you respond to the people that actually calculates performance numbers such as NaichacaCycling (wattpolice)? Highest VAM numbers from Tdf 30+ min climbs calculated by wattpolice: 🇺🇸Armstrong: 1753, Alpe d'Huez 2001 🇮🇹Pantani: 1811, Alpe d'Huez 1995 🇸🇮Pogacar: 1883, Plateau Beille 2024 🇩🇰Vingegaard 1831, Plateau Beille 2024

[@jaredwilkerson3869]

It’s hard to understand why anyone would dislike Pogacar. He seems humble, intelligent, and hardworking. And he’s incredibly entertaining on the bike.

[@jono1457-qd9ft]

@@jaredwilkerson3869 Some people are jealous. Such as that fool with the KZbin channel who accuses everyone who achieves anything in the sport.

[@davidbee8178]

@@jono1457-qd9ft agree 100% . . . a jealous baby . . . some people NEVER grow up and are UNDER achievers as well

[@alibabaong]

with all respect to Tadej, he is just too boring for racing

[@tommyfreckmann6857]

​@alibabaong WHAT?

[@Tricorncitizen]

I just don't like his sponsor. The team itself is great, and he's a great champion of the sport

[@oneeleven9832]

Been watching cycling for 45yrs Tadej is the best all rounder Ive ever seen..nice fella as well 👍

[@lukasmobus3024]

better than Ullrich?

[@rafvissers4041]

WVA

[@WeallAreAdults]

then you watched with your eyes closed lmao :D

[@solidstream13]

All around? Sagan!

[@oneeleven9832]

@@lukasmobus3024 100%

[@LexD-89]

That “pause” after Tadej says 320-340 at z2 was me spilling my morning coffee 😅

[@Machoman510]

His smirk says it all

[@lllleeeeiiii]

That was me busy wiping water from my laptop

[@jadsru1]

I think he's lying to us. lol... I think he said that to mislead his competitions, so his competitors go and try holding 320 for 5hrs and burn themselves out so he can destroy them at the races. yeah! I also spilled my drink while siting on this trainer doing Z2 at 199W ... I am going back to watching futbol and la liga.

[@victoriadepew6863]

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!

[@BFJunga]

@@jadsru1 I don't think so. If 340W is his top end zone 2 which is 75% of FTP. His FTP will be around 450W which is around 6.9W/kg. Considering his performances this the tour this year it seems pretty accurate to me.

[@dustinmaherfitness]

The questions you asked and how he answered them all. Incredible. Maybe the best cycling interview I have ever heard. The zone 2 at 320 is crazy given how light he is.

[@kingjasko]

that tiny giggle he does after he says "ye on 9% and more its more fun, you can do pretty much anything" is everything xd

[@MrMattie725]

Pogy throwing subtle shade at Shimano powermeters, love it :D

[@dougsmith4678]

I was laughing my ass off when I heard him say that. How can Shimano not have a good power meter at this point, what a joke.

[@FliskerX]

Haha yea, powermeters are not reliable these days... which one?! Shimanno, lol

[@TommyScott-g1p]

so subtle

[@Eirikkinserdal]

he has a srm for his tt bike atleast 😅

[@DanThemes]

From what I know, all powermeters need to be calibrated multiple times during a ride if the temperature/elevation changes significantly.

[@edmundtschopp3412]

Hands down, best cycling interview I have ever listened to. And I've listened to many

[@natpaler883]

Extremly proud of our national Slovene cyclists, but especially Tadej!! 🚴

[@Filedll]

Never expeted Pogacar interview. Thats a bomb!

[@goncaloantunes5599]

OMG 😱 Pogacar on the Drive. Amazing 😍

[@larrymichienzi]

Big fan of Peter Attia but even bigger fan of Tadej. This might be the best interview I have ever seen!! Thanks so much for doing this one, Peter.

[@richiejames928]

Noooooo freaking wayyyyyyyy! WHAT!! two of my favourite people on earth met up and made a podcast!! this is unreal!….Peter. Thank you!

[@GasperRazdevsek]

Peter, thank you for this fantastic interview-it made my day! And a big thanks to Tadej for taking the time and being such an amazing, down-to-earth champion who is a wonderful role model for kids. Stay as you are!

[@KaYo13777]

Amazing interview. Thanks! I love it when Peter has cyclists on. His encyclopedic knowledge & enthusiasm for cycling make for the best interviews. Good luck for the world's Pogačar.🍀

[@CerahHedrick]

Undoubtedly the best professional cyclist in the world right now. 💪

[@jademermaidmusic]

Best “supplemented” cyclist for sure

[@batard2001]

@@jademermaidmusicwho is clean? Jonas? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@user1qaz2wsx3edc]

​@@jademermaidmusic Supplemented to win many classics/giro and tour in the same year. Vingegard???😂😂😂

[@richiejames928]

Just for some context, the numbers Tadej can sustain for a 5 hour stage, the average casual cyclist couldn’t sustain for 5minutes. This kid has perfect genetics for cycling. he’s just phenomenal. and the most attacking/entertaining riders in a generation.

[@Sevendaver]

Me 30 seconds

[@czx5555]

whats an average cyclist? lmao your dad who bikes once week?

[@richiejames928]

@@czx5555 yep

[@oliverleigh9854]

Stop being a NPC. Any average person can hit those numbers, Its called condition your body. The question is whose willing to sacrifice social and family time to put the work in to get into the right physical condition. This include everything even drugs.

[@anishbose9790]

@@oliverleigh9854 "average person" doesn't mean "assume everyone conditions themselves and tries to hit 340W at some point in their lives". it should be obvious that it means people in the present, of which most people certainly cannot hold 340W for 5min. let's not even dare extrapolate that to W/kg.

[@ai-baking-f1]

So humble and open. A great interview. Thanks for pulling this one together Peter.

[@eddiepaletti9055]

Fantastic. Thank you for interview Tadej. I had the good fortune of seeing him win the queen climbing stage at the Tour of California when he was a teen. He's been a joy to watch ever since and, as you note, so gracious.

[@HoustonNiner1]

What/were was the queen stade? Can you tell us the route via strava? Tks.

[@eddiepaletti9055]

@@HoustonNiner1 2019 Tour of California. Ontario to Mt. Baldy.

[@AliShaheen89]

Hands down best cycling media content and interview this year.

[@bramswinkels3348]

Definitely not. Mattia made a lot of mistakes that were easily avoidable by preparing better or generally knowing more about the sport.

[@KB-vg8lz]

Re. Vo2 Max, "probably it's high" 🤣🤣🤣

[@jono1457-qd9ft]

And good anaerobic power too. Both in just the right proportion. But of course there's the whole psychology aspect too. His temperament is good in many ways.

[@TommyScott-g1p]

wow really. TDF winner has high Vo2 max.

[@KB-vg8lz]

@@TommyScott-g1p yup, that’s the funny part Big Tommy.

[@Jon-cw8bb]

It was rumoured that he measured at 89. It's not the best ever measured or anything but it's very high

[@SennaMadeF1]

Probably at Tour de France his would have been over 95ml-kg-min. Someone estimated a few scenarios based on his climbing performances

[@paulp4427]

Tadej is so likable, not sure how anyone can root against him, class act

[@Wds__99]

Even if he’s doping I’d still like the kid. Lance was such a dick and bully.

[@intothewoods900]

@@Wds__99 He still is 🙂

[@MrRise4life]

thank you so much for providing this podcast with tadej!

[@magosia235]

Thank you so much for that interview! I've been rooting for Tadej since I remember. Whatching him ride as I do my zone 2 training gives me a real kick of motivation to push myself even harder. And since I'm Polish, I love seeing Rafał Majka by his side. Lots of love from a faithful fan from Poland ❤

[@aitor47]

The numbers on this kid are just mind-blowing! 🤯 What a beast!

[@iansingleton]

NB* there are lots of "classics" only 5 "Monuments". Great interview Peter. Thanks very much. Always love your interviews, an excellent blend of of technical and general questions. Pogi is the man. A lovely lad, externally very chilled and mellow but internally an absolute physical monster. It's been great watching him develop from a young lad into a senior. And let's face it, what an amazing statesman for the sport of cycling. 🙏🏻

[@JoshThompson-v7t]

Tadej the tornado! Singlehandedly (team or no team) breathing life into cycling and its fans...thank you Peter for helping spread the word

[@jfcfilms3883]

Wow, you got Pogi, congratulations !!

[@imranwahid11]

Thanks Peter for making this video possible!

[@HaiLeQuang]

This man got me into cycling. Thank you

[@cosbro5389]

Thankyou Tadej and Peter ..all the questions I had in there somewhere asked and answered on my favourite sport and past time 🙏🏼

[@Lockeness86]

He was way more transparent and candid than I thought he would be! Cool to hear him reveal his specific numbers

[@mettflow2648]

He downplayed da numberinos

[@shadowbanned4606]

@@mettflow2648 For how much? 6%, 12%?

[@leoturgenov7440]

@@mettflow2648 how do you know that?

[@guystevens311]

He probably revealed way more info than his team would like! But good on him. So many pros are way too guarded.

[@Joy80JJ]

I love & watch all the cycling races. Pogi is a humble young man. So enjoyed this interview.

[@jimbo6993]

Wow! Great interview. I love Tadej. I followed the last tour very closely. I am now a big fan of this guy.

[@Gufolicious]

He is the reason i watch pro cycling. Been his fan from the start. Also through his defeats.

[@PedalToProgress]

This is the podcast of my dreams! Two of my favorite people

[@maxx7429]

Amazing content Peter. Thank you so much for providing it and keeping it so respectful and interesting.

[@matejstankovic9843]

Yes! You made me extremely happy with this, great work!

[@hannahzhang7849]

Excellent interview! Great questions! Love Pogi on bike and off bike such a humble elite athlete!

[@juanemilio2172]

one of the most interesting interviews i've seen in my life, peter made all the specific questions that all wanted to do to a TDF winner

[@entis13]

OMG this is the top! Tadej on The Drive 🚀🚀🚀 Thank you for this!!!

[@hoodwinked1124]

One of the best interviews drom an athlete about his training and prep. He's also a student of the sport and his own numbers

[@markus7894]

What a gem of video and what a precious human being Tadej is! So humble, reasonable and natural! Impressive!

[@pierrex3226]

Imagine the extent of the Shimano grift, where you have the best guy in the best team in the world saying he can't rely on power because Shimano can't make a reliable power meter. Assioma is known to be spot on for years. I'm yet to buy one because I have only good things to say about my Garmin vector. Meanwhile, Shimano forcing their unreliable power meters with their dura ace packages...

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

C'mon! They could still be using Campagnolo. But the riders have no say, they just ride what they're given. Ask Bauke Mollema!

[@biscottigelato8574]

Basically anyone and their dogs can make a half decent power meter these days - except Shimano

[@thecellulontriptometer4166]

I'm a little surprised at how open he was with all of these questions. It does make me wonder if all of the answers were truly honest. That said, these are the questions cycling fans want to hear asked. Thanks for the work.

[@RyonBeachner]

To be fair, if someone wants to beat him, they’re still going to need to put out bigger numbers than that, so uh, good luck everyone else. 😂

[@thecellulontriptometer4166]

@@RyonBeachner In my humble opinion, I think the way to beat him is not to try to match his power. It is the way Visma did on the stage he described in the 21 Tour. A team full of attackers forcing him to follow multiple attacks until you launch your GC favorite. Only trouble is, UAE has a much better team than they did then. That is still the playbook though.

[@zojazaman9272]

​It will never happen again​😊@@thecellulontriptometer4166... What Wisma did!!

[@richmead3946]

The greatest interview in my opinion ever. You asked all the good questions!

[@adamdvorak3483]

340w zone 2? that’s insane

[@TommyScott-g1p]

i have the same

[@paro64]

@@TommyScott-g1pyes, but your weight is around 85kg?

[@DanThemes]

@@TommyScott-g1p Me too. Doesn't everyone? 🤔

[@zikaperic2133]

@@DanThemes indeed one legged variant

[@klemenskrem]

Peter this was so great!!!! Your child like passion as a fan is great and so genuine

[@SARGEinc]

I remember watching young Pogi beat Sergio Higuita at the Tour of California like 6 years ago, and I thought he just got lucky. Higuita blew a corner, and Pogi went by him for the win. I couldn't of been more wrong, Pogi has been an absolute savage ever since. Guy's a stud. Comes across as such a fun and chill guy, hard not to like him.

[@TundraMaster]

I occasionally go back and watch that stage that went up Mt. Baldy. Pogi in black shoes and barely any UAE support staff. Yet his climbing characteristics were evident as he calmly followed Higuita's pace all of the way to the line.

[@jademermaidmusic]

There are more than 2 handful of cyclists that can beat Higuita… nothing special about that

[@TundraMaster]

@@jademermaidmusic No one knew that at the time. I believe that they were both neopros that year. But yeah, thanks for the 20/20 hindsight.

[@T7DMAAVIATIONHORIZONS]

Incredible and humble man

[@kurthanson7522]

make no mistake the psychology of these god tier pro endurance athletes is even more impressive than their physiology.

[@michellethornbrugh5699]

When he said seeing the crowds exhilarated him, that indicates he loves the challenge! There’s definitely a part of this that is in your self talk/belief in yourself.

[@intothewoods900]

Yes! The mental toughness on some of these guys is just incredible. Or Roglič, Vingegaard and others coming back after devastating crashes. I'd just give up and stay on my couch, feeling sorry for myself. It's also interesting to compare the attitude of winners like Pogi, always convinced he can win, vs. someone like Ben O'Connor who gave up the Vuelta when he still had the red jersey. Sure, he was being realistic, but that's not the mentality you want if you plan to win anything.

[@elliotstorey]

Great stuff, thank you Peter, and thank you Tadej!

[@whichwayiszigzag]

That's the best interview I've seen with Tadej, great work Peter!

[@catastrophic82]

It's so refreshing to hear a discussion about training that doesn't degenerate in to "So how does a 10 hour per week Hubbard implement this?"

[@zikaperic2133]

Mr Attia is doing a favor to humanity with these interviews

[@abdallahsaeed217]

What a great interview 😮

[@martonbazsi]

Wow boy, that was a treat! Wish Tadej had more time. Maybe next time you should go with him for a 5 hour zone2 ride and try to record the podcast while riding on 320 watts! 😅

[@jazbec]

Watching you since your Joe Rogan early podcast.... and now here is our Slovenian superstar Tadej on my favorite sport science experts dedicated podcast... damn the world sure is smal... 7 degrees of separation turning more in to 2 if you are a Slovenian!

[@adrianmijlin]

Such a nice person, such a great rider.

[@jfarango]

This is now probably one of my favorites videos in KZbin!

[@firstbrotherDK]

AMAZING COMBO!!!!!! My favorite KZbin MD and my favorite pro cyclist!!!!!

[@francescofarinelli8902]

Thank you Peter, what an amazing interview. Go Pogi!!

[@TheBrendanzn]

Peter and Tadej - not a linkup I was ever expecting on this channel, but extremely glad that it's somehow come to pass!! 😎🏆🚴🏻‍♀

[@boudoir00]

What a brilliant interview. Thank you!

[@thatsounditmakes9177]

We love you Pogi! Even an old fart like me finds you very inspiring. Don't let the haters get to you. You're the BEST!!! 🤟

[@531c]

What haters?

[@DanThemes]

Loved every second of this! Thank you!

[@adammcneill1862]

Great interview, all the good question were covered regarding power, training, nutrition, etc. very surprised he provided so much detail on these topics. Nice work again

[@glasmo]

Two legends in one place - how lucky are we. He would have to be one of the most humble legends out there. The image of Tadej riding along with e bagette in his back pocket is evidence enough

[@Nick-rz6vq]

one of the best interview in cycling, so many details, thank you

[@vegetaCOSMOnaut2001]

it's a mindset

[@JAYBOFICIAL_]

Wow!!!! AMAZING!! Pogi!!!!!✅🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@rditurrey]

Congratulations Dr Attia.

[@MikeEnRegalia]

It's always strange to read the phrase "meteoric rise", considering that meteors are objects crashing down to the ground ;-)

[@JoeyKlu]

It's from the old Greek for "high up (in the sky)", same etymology as "meteorologist". Which, for how we viewed and perceived meteors for most of our existence (except for the poor schmucks who got obliterated here and there by one), makes sense, lol

[@gcraigw]

We love to see you win Tadej. Keep going!

[@prestigeful]

This is an instant classic. Thank you so much!

[@happyboi12]

"380-390, nothing crazy"😭 he was pushing more than 6W/kg...

[@apostolis_23]

I was also like 🤯

[@lubabalobongweni2337]

That time as soon as I see 3w/kg I’m happy dragging my 89kg self around 😂😂

[@emilegoguely4032]

On a tt bike no less

[@kaushikkumar1139]

Hold on, that's tadej!!

[@dslojr]

Best guest ever !

[@gabrielcubillossilva7298]

Love to Tadej ❤❤❤❤ he is just incredibile on and off the bike

[@etienneswanepoel8073]

Thank you Peter, great interview with an exceptional athlete! It takes slow gains over many years as well as the genetic/epigenetic talent to get to where he is. The fuelling and teaching the body to use ketones etc. is another big commitment. Amazing, thanks.

[@dankbank7424]

It's a fanboy episode and I'm into it.

[@BenjaminUbayyed-po9tc]

he is such a joy to watch race

[@8332ak]

Wise man...wise questions....exellent podcast Peter!!!

[@buzomax]

Thanks for bring the best to your podcast Peter! So many questions… and good answers from Pogy ! A really good way to figure what it takes in numbers to became a TdF winner

[@swites]

I'm only a few kgs heavier at 68 but 320watts is hauling! On a ride you'd be passing most average everyday cyclists uphill like they were standing still at that pace. And that's his cruising pace! Crazy!

[@sandualexandrudaniel8919]

Its been fascinating to have so much insight regarding the physiology of one of the best cyclists of all time. Thanks for this awesomeness 🙏🏽🙌🏼

[@SR-fm1ft]

Absolute legend great interview. Such a humble and genuine guy, gotta love Pogi! Lot of interesting opinions in the comments about w/kg. Training and fueling has changed. Previous metrics aren’t relevant for comparison as a metric of comparison. Athletes are better than before. One could argue they had to dope in the 90’s because of how little they fueled and poorly they trained relative to today’s understanding.

[@PowderedToastmensch]

What a treat! Thank you both.

[@rickguerrero2282]

What a nice catch, Dr. Attia! He seems like such a modest gentleman.

[@TopgunB]

Wow! Great questions Peter. Great answers Tadej!!

[@Mapdec]

Great interview. Fascinating

[@enigunra]

Great interview. Peter asked very good questions. It is obvious that he is true fan of cycling. Bravo @PeterAttiaMD

[@orangeorphan]

Ask Van Barle how gracious he is in defeat haha

[@janeztomazic5546]

i think this was best interview with Pog i have seen, great questions going in to numbers

[@sishorrock]

This is pure gold. World’s No1 cyclist with PA. Awesome

[@DZOMBAAA]

Thans for this interview with 🐐

[@freddieevans4906]

Superb interview. Now time to get on LRCP pls Pog

[@chinodemiguel2]

Good interview thanks both for sharing

[@AnTalk_blog]

Such a nice sympathetic boy from next door. I hope that his name never ever appear on the same page with doping.

[@ffil65]

Bravo!!!!! Great interview.