In the latest episode of the Watts Occurring podcast, former teammates Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe delved into one of cycling’s most intriguing modern questions: Would Tadej Pogačar still dominate the peloton if he raced on a decade-old bike?
The Question That Sparked the Debate
Thomas kicked off the conversation with a simple yet provocative question:
“How much difference do modern bikes make? Could Pogi win on an old bike?”
That query opened the floor to a lively discussion on just how much technological progress has changed professional cycling in recent years.
Luke Rowe: “Technology Has Changed Everything”
Rowe was quick to stress how far cycling equipment has come since the early 2010s.
“There is a huge difference though, even what you won the Tour on versus what Pogi won the Tour on,” he said.
“The advance that bikes have made in the past five-eight years is huge. Pogi would not win on a bike from ten years ago, even five years ago.”
From lighter carbon frames and aerodynamic integration to electronic shifting and improved wheel technology, Rowe emphasized that modern bikes give today’s pros measurable advantages in efficiency and endurance.
Geraint Thomas: “Pogačar Has a Natural Edge”
Thomas, however, wasn’t completely convinced that equipment alone defines dominance.
“He’s got that much of a buffer these days though. It’d make it a more level playing field,” he argued.
According to the 2018 Tour de France champion, Pogačar’s natural ability, race instincts, and sheer fitness could still make him competitive even on outdated gear.
The Endurance Factor
Rowe countered Thomas’s optimism by pointing to the physical toll of a three-week Grand Tour:
“Just the accumulation through 21 days would be enough to crack him,” he said.
In Rowe’s view, the small daily advantages modern technology provides—lighter bikes, better ergonomics, and optimized aerodynamics—add up over time.
Could He Beat Vingegaard on Old Equipment?
Thomas eventually agreed that even Pogačar might struggle against his closest rival, Jonas Vingegaard, if forced to race on outdated technology.
“No yeah, I don’t think he would win the Tour against Jonas if he had an old kit like that,” Thomas admitted.
Final Thoughts: “Technology Has Advanced Too Much”
Rowe closed the conversation decisively:
“The more you think about it, there is no chance. Technology has advanced too much.”
Their discussion underlines just how rapidly cycling has evolved—not just in terms of athletes’ performance, but also through the tools that enable them to reach the limit of human endurance.
Key Takeaway
While Tadej Pogačar’s dominance may stem from rare physical and mental gifts, even his extraordinary talent might not fully overcome the technological gap between bikes from 2015 and 2025. In today’s elite cycling, marginal gains have become major game-changers.
FAQ
Q1. What is the Watts Occurring podcast?
It’s a cycling podcast hosted by Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe, both former teammates on INEOS Grenadiers, where they discuss racing, training, and cycling culture.
Q2. What was the main topic of debate?
They discussed whether modern technological advances in cycling equipment are so significant that even a dominant rider like Tadej Pogačar couldn’t win on a decade-old bike.
Q3. What did Geraint Thomas believe?
Thomas thought Pogačar’s talent might still allow him to compete and possibly win, though it would be a tougher, more level competition.
Q4. What did Luke Rowe argue?
Rowe insisted that the technological leap in bikes is too large to ignore—claiming that even a superstar like Pogačar would lose significant ground over a three-week race without modern equipment.
Q5. What’s the takeaway about cycling technology?
Cycling’s evolution over the past decade—lighter materials, aerodynamic designs, electronic drivetrains, and optimized setups—has transformed the sport, making modern equipment a crucial factor in winning at the top level.
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