Did Pogacar save energy on climbing Oropa?

Two legends, two breakdowns, the same image. Same resolution. A quarter of a century later, history repeated itself according to the same scenario. So much Marco Pantani as Tadej Pogačar They lost contact with the group of favorites just before the start of the climb to Oropa (the chain jump of the Italian and Slovenian fell due to a puncture), which did not hinder their subsequent ascent. return and victory at the finish line. Two feats, two geniuses.

However, if we analyze both speeches, we will discover some nuances that differentiate them, and this is inevitable since last Sunday opened the debate at the end of the stage: Did you make the most of Pogacar or did you reserve your strength while thinking about the rest of the Giro? Let’s start with the numbers. From the point where time is traditionally measured when climbing Oropa (6.59 km at 8.1%), after covering the first kilometers of the approach (always below 5%), we see that Pogi spent a period 17:28, while the Pirate, which holds the record for the climb, took 17:04. in reaching the top.

Best time in Oropa (Giro)

This is evidenced by data collected by an expert Finnish analyst. ammattipyoraily, which also destroys differences between one and the other by industry: Pogačar was 20 seconds slower than Pantani in the first 2.29 km, he cut 11″ in the central part and lost another 15″ in the last two kilometers, this is where the Slovenian seemed more relaxed, as even He even lost about 10 seconds of the distance. almost 40 seconds, which he had over Dani Martinez and Geraint Thomas (he won by 27 inches).

With wind, without potentiometer

Besides the numbers and impressions conveyed by his performance, there is another determining factor that makes us think that Pogacar controlled the speed of his ascent: the wind. “The ascent was accomplished very quickly, with a tailwind and a very powerful group of people,” explained Nairo Quintana. in front of AS and other media after crossing the finish line, meaning that if he had put in more effort, using this element clearly to his advantage, Pantani’s record could have been destroyed.

Last but not least, please note that Pogacar completed the climb without a power meter due to switching bikes after a fall. Chances are, not knowing your speed and power during the climb caused you to be a little more conservative than usual. If so, then, considering what was left of the race, perhaps it would have been the right decision.

Follow the Diario AS channel on WhatsApp, where you will find everything about sports in one space: news of the day, agenda with the latest news about the most important sporting events, the most striking images, the opinion of the best AS. companies, reports, videos and a little humor from time to time.