Pogačar Reveals His Mind Blowing Power Zones | GCN Show Ep. 684

While Pogačar's raw power numbers are extraordinary, they don't tell the whole story. Mechanically, elite cyclists are only marginally more efficient than strong amateurs — the real difference lies in metabolic efficiency. Because Pogačar's Zone 2 is so highly developed, he burns a far higher proportion of fat at intensities where most riders rely heavily on carbohydrates. This means he can preserve his glycogen stores far longer, enabling those trademark long-range attacks that leave rivals gasping.

For context, an hour at 450 watts demands around 1,600 kilocalories. While that figure applies to any rider producing that power, Pogačar requires fewer carbohydrates per hour because his body taps into fat more effectively. This metabolic advantage, combined with his exceptional durability, explains why he can attack from distance and sustain efforts that would break other riders. The numbers are impressive, but the efficiency behind them is what truly sets him apart.

The new Canyon by DT Swiss ATR team was launched in Girona with a 13-rider roster spanning gravel, ultra-endurance, mountain biking, and cyclocross. The squad joins a wave of new or expanding off-road teams, including 3T Reverb and the Ostro program. While some feared the team might dominate gravel races Tour de France–style, the diverse rider profiles and objectives suggest a more varied, exploratory approach to the discipline.

Meanwhile, the Santa Val gravel race in Girona provided a muddy, competitive showcase for the sport. Sophia Gomez Villafane took the women's win, and Maxwart Smith the men's, with heavy rain turning the course into a challenging mud bath. The race also offered a glimpse of Factor's new aero gravel bike, reportedly mimicking the aggressive aero road design of their flagship model but with enhanced mud clearance.