VO₂max is one of the most important performance indicators in endurance sports. It describes the maximum amount of oxygen the body can absorb and utilize during intense exertion. Particularly in cycling, it is considered one of the decisive factors for peak performance.
By Vincent Augustin 3 minutes read time
Published: July 1, 2026
When discussing exceptional endurance performances, one name almost automatically comes to mind: Tadej Pogačar . The exceptional Slovenian cyclist has shaped the cycling world with his successes in the Tour de France , the Classics, and stage races. But what is his VO₂max really – and what does it say about his performance?
VO₂max (maximum oxygen uptake) indicates how many milliliters of oxygen an athlete can absorb per minute and per kilogram of body weight.
Typical values:
| group of people | VO₂max |
|---|---|
| Untrained people | 30–40 ml/kg/min |
| Well-trained amateur athletes | 45–60 ml/kg/min |
| elite endurance athletes | 70–85 ml/kg/min |
| Absolute world-class | >85 ml/kg/min |
In professional cycling, many top riders have glycemic index values in the range of 80 to over 90 ml/kg/min .
But it's important to note: VO₂max alone doesn't determine victory . Factors such as efficiency, lactate threshold, race intelligence, and recovery capacity also play a huge role.
Official lab results for Tadej Pogačar are rarely published by his team. However, in interviews and sports science assessments, his VO₂max is estimated at approximately 88–92 ml/kg/min .
That puts him in the right place:
significantly above most professionals
in the field of exceptional historical talents
For comparison:
| driver | Estimated VO₂max |
|---|---|
| Chris Froome | approx. 88 ml/kg/min |
| Egan Bernal | approx. 88 ml/kg/min |
| Miguel Indurain | approx. 88 ml/kg/min |
| Tadej Pogačar | approx. 88–92 ml/kg/min |
These values show that Pogačar is physiologically in an absolute elite class .
Interestingly, many professional cyclists have similar VO₂max values. Nevertheless, Tadej Pogačar regularly dominates major races.
The difference lies in the combination of several factors.
In climbing, the watts per kilogram of body weight are the most important factor.
On long climbs, Pogačar can maintain power outputs above 6.5 W/kg for extended periods – values that are normally only achieved in crucial race moments.
Another crucial point is the so-called anaerobic threshold .
Many professionals reach about 85–90% of their VO₂max at the threshold .
Elite riders like Pogačar can sometimes utilize this value even higher without becoming overly acidic.
This means: It can maintain extremely high intensities for a long time .
In cycling, movement economy also plays a major role.
An efficient driver needs less oxygen for the same performance .
This means that two athletes with identical VO₂max can still show different performance levels.
VO₂max is usually measured in a sports laboratory . The athlete cycles on an ergometer with increasing workload.
Typical sequence of events:
Start with moderate power
Wattage increases every 1–3 minutes
Breath analysis via a mask
The test ends when the tester is completely exhausted.
The measuring devices analyze the following:
Oxygen uptake
Carbon dioxide tax
Respiratory volume
Heart rate
The highest measured value is VO₂max .
The good news: Yes – at least partially .
Although genetic factors determine about 50% of VO₂max , training can significantly improve it.
Particularly effective are:
Example training:
4 x 4 minutes very hard
3-minute break
This protocol is frequently used in professional cycling.
Slow, long rides improve the aerobic base .
Interestingly, many professionals – including riders like Tadej Pogačar – use a large proportion of low-intensity training.
Many professionals train regularly at altitude to improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood .
Popular training locations include:
Sierra Nevada
Teide
The estimated VO₂max of approximately 88–92 ml/kg/min shows that Tadej Pogačar physiologically belongs to the absolute world elite.
However, his dominance in modern cycling can be explained by a combination of several factors :
exceptional VO₂max
very high lactate threshold
outstanding efficiency
aggressive racing style
strong mental abilities
This combination makes him one of the most complete riders of the current generation – and one of the most exciting athletes in modern professional cycling.
VO₂max is one of the most important performance indicators in endurance sports. It describes the maximum amount of oxygen the body can absorb and utilize during intense exertion. Particularly in cycling, it is considered one of the decisive factors for peak performance.
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