“In 2024 and 2025, Pogacar rode around 340 watts. Now it was 380” - Tadej Pogacar’s Strade Bianche data stuns Dutch ex-pro

When Tadej Pogacar attacked on Monte Sante Marie during Strade Bianche, the result quickly became familiar. Another long-range solo. Another race was decided before Siena.

But according to former professional rider Laurens ten Dam, the most startling part of the Slovenian’s latest victory may lie in the numbers behind it.

“Pogacar would have ridden around 340 watts in the last two hours of Strade Bianche in 2024 and 2025,” Ten Dam explained on the Live Slow Ride Fast podcast while analysing the race data. “Now it was 380 watts... Crazy wattages.”

The data helps explain why Pogacar’s attack once again proved decisive when the race reached Monte Sante Marie. With around 80 kilometres remaining, the world champion accelerated from the saddle and quickly distanced the riders who had managed to survive UAE Team Emirates - XRG’s relentless tempo through the gravel sectors.

Among them was the 19-year-old Paul Seixas, who briefly looked capable of responding to the move before eventually conceding ground on the sector.

For Ten Dam, the numbers behind the effort underline the scale of the Slovenian’s advantage. “If Pogacar then adds another 40 watts compared to two years ago…,” he said while discussing the figures, suggesting the Slovenian may have taken yet another step forward over the winter.

While Pogačar does not publicly share his power files, Ten Dam's estimations (based on the normalized power required to sustain those speeds on the Tuscan gravel) provide the most accurate look yet at the physical step the World Champion has taken this winter.

While Pogacar rode alone towards Siena, the chase behind developed into a battle for the remaining podium places. It was Seixas who eventually emerged from that fight with an exceptional second place on his Strade Bianche debut, finishing ahead of Pogacar’s teammate Isaac del Toro.

Ten Dam admitted he was hugely impressed by the French teenager’s performance. “This is a champion in the making. He almost rode back to Pogacar on Monte Sante Marie.”

The power comparison between the two riders also adds context to that statement. According to Ten Dam’s analysis, Seixas averaged around 330 watts over the final two hours of the race, a figure remarkably close to the level Pogacar himself had produced during previous editions of the Tuscan classic. “That’s the level Pogacar had in 2024 and 2025,” Ten Dam said.

For Ten Dam, the result illustrated more than just physical superiority. Pogacar’s approach to the race also reflects a deliberate attempt to establish psychological dominance over the peloton.

“He didn’t want that guy with him,” Ten Dam said when discussing the moment Seixas briefly threatened to close the gap on Monte Sante Marie. “Pogacar seems to be marking out his territory so clearly that others won’t even try.”

That dynamic was visible behind the Slovenian as the race developed into a contest for the remaining podium places. “Everyone is racing for second place,” Ten Dam concluded.

With Pogacar opening his 2026 season in the same devastating fashion that has become routine in recent years, the Strade Bianche once again confirmed the familiar hierarchy at the very top of the sport. The numbers behind it, however, suggest something even more ominous for his rivals: the world champion may still be getting stronger.

The 40-watt increase Ten Dam identified is essentially the difference between a 'great' pro and an 'untouchable' one. By operating at 380W, Pogačar effectively forced the chase group into an anaerobic zone just to maintain the gap, while he remained in his high-aerobic 'sweet spot.' This explains why, despite the collaboration behind him, the lead only continued to grow—his rivals were burning matches to stay still, while Pogačar was simply riding a tempo they couldn't reach.