# Tadej Pogacar athletic performance and dominance

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tadej-pogacar-athletic-performance-and-dominance
> Updated: 2026-08-23T04:00:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Scientific analysis of Tadej Pogacar’s performances in major races, including the Tour de France and Giro di Lombardia, has estimated his VO2 max to be between 94 and 98 ml/kg/min. This level is described as comparable to world-record values. Following these findings, the virtual cycling platform MyWhoosh launched a “Train Like Tadej” program in collaboration with Pogacar’s coach and UAE Team Emirates to provide amateur riders with structured training sessions.

Reflecting on his athletic dominance, Liverpool FC head coach Andoni Iraola compared Pogacar to football legend Lionel Messi. Iraola suggested that Pogacar may hold a greater advantage over his competitors than Messi did over his peers, stating that he does not see any current riders capable of challenging the Slovenian in the upcoming 2026 Vuelta a España.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Andoni Iraola compares Tadej Pogacar to Lionel Messi

Liverpool FC coach Andoni Iraola compared cyclist Tadej Pogacar to Lionel Messi, stating Pogacar may be even more dominant over his competition than Messi is in football.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andoni-iraola-compares-tadej-pogacar-to-lionel-messi

### 2026-08-06: Tadej Pogacar's VO2 Max Estimated at 96 ml/kg/min; MyWhoosh Launches 'Train Like Pogacar' Workouts

Scientists estimate Tadej Pogacar’s VO2 max at about 96 ml/kg/min, and MyWhoosh releases a free ‘Train Like Pogacar’ program based on his coach’s training methods.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tadej-pogacars-vo2-max-estimated-at-96-mlkgmin-mywhoosh-launches-train-like-pogacar-workouts

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Cite as: Tadej Pogacar athletic performance and dominance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tadej-pogacar-athletic-performance-and-dominance