"Sometimes you simply have no explanation for something" - Zonneveld responds to Pogacar suspicions after dominant Tour de France display
Cycling
Tadej Pogacar's 2026 Tour de France so far after eight stages can be summarised in one way: dominance. The Slovenian has soared to a commanding 2:42 lead over nearest rival Jonas Vingegaard in the general classification in a single stage raid.
That stage was a Pyreneean beast as the world champion set off on Col du Tourmalet, building a gap over the top of the climb before a ferocious descent and a draining shallow climb to the finish line. As the dust settled on Thursday, many analysts and riders couldn't get over the UAE Team Emirates XRG rider's performances.
The nature of Pogacar's dominance has led to the emergence of suspicions on social media with multiple doping accusations. Analyst Thijs Zonneveld has his doubts about whether those accusations carry any weight or evidence.
Speaking on the podcast In de Waaier, Zonneveld said: "It is always possible that doping is involved, but I wouldn't vouch for anyone. But then he would be the only one with a doping substance that would make him better in every area. I don't know what it would be then."
Stressing the need for evidence before levelling accusations, Zonneveld thinks there is none. Pointing to the world champion enjoying success at underage levels before joining the UAE project, Zonneveld notes that a number of factors could explain his increasingly dominant displays.
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Zonneveld says there's no evidence to support accusations
"If you make such accusations, you must be able to prove it. And there is exactly zero evidence."
He added: "Then he went to UAE, which I still find a strange choice, because UAE was a team with money back then, but not with good guidance, or something like that. He eventually found a place there where they could guide him in the best way."
The sport's evolution means that nutrition, training and recovery have taken massive leaps in recent years. Riders now ingest higher numbers of carbohydrates than ever.
He said: "In five years, we have moved from 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour to 120 grams. And what if we start adding lactate to gels? Then you can buffer away even more lactic acid. The development is not yet complete. This is also because a number of very wealthy teams have emerged, which have entered a kind of arms race."
No explanation for continued inprovements
Nonetheless, Pogacar's improvements have put him a step above most of the peloton. His remarkable tendancy to stay fit and healthy while racing is also a noticeable advantage as his career blossoms.
Zonneveld noted the reactions of his fellow professionals and the effect it has had on their motivation.
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"But the fact that he has continued to develop physically in this way... Sometimes you simply have no explanation for something. Other than the fact that he is never sick or rarely falls, allowing him to keep building up."
He concluded: "I don't know if he isn't using doping, but I'm certainly not sure that he is. But that question about his dominance is definitely on people's minds in the peloton. Some make a joke of it, others shake their heads when they see their deficit in a mountain stage like that."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- as we all like the david-style rebels, he will leave a gap.Ketterechts12-11-2026
- Oy, don't insult girlsHills3312-11-2026
- lol yeah. this is a good onemij12-11-2026
- Mads is the best: I didn’t even know there were rules in cyclocross. I just thought it was a matter of: ‘Go, three, two, one, ride.’ It’s like a street fight, a kind of underground brawl. It’s the MMA of cycling he gives the best quotes.mij12-11-2026
- he's too young. he's 23, so not really a fair call yet.mij12-11-2026
- and don't forget Pidcock's departure. maybe he will never win a GT, but he knows how to light up a race.mij12-11-2026
- Bingo...I was going to say a 12 year obsessed Pogi fan girlie ! Like she's chasing a teen boy band! All glossy eyed about tadej!frieders312-11-2026
- That stint in the Pink was so good. If memory serves he struggled with the champagne cuz he'd never been on the podium before. I feel like it gave him some self-belief, and yeah - then the move to Visma to be one of their lieutenants has really brought him to the best version of himself.wrsty12-11-2026
- So, you never really compared Paul Seixas with his main rival Isaac Del Toro why jump to Pogačar? They've (Paul & Isaac) raced together here and there, and they've both shared in wins and losses, I think they should be compared to each other, even with Vingegaard and Remco first before even touching Pogačar. From your writing it's like he's better than Vingegaard, Remco and Del Toro already that his main target is now Pogačar 🤔Sadick11-11-2026
- gee i hope its a minor injury. a great rider and ambassador for the sport. get well soon Lucinda.
Davide11-11-2026
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