Let's dive into the fascinating world of cycling and explore the power metrics that separate the best riders from the rest. It's a topic that often sparks friendly rivalries and bragging rights among cyclists, but it also reveals some incredible insights into human performance.
The Power of FTP
Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is a cyclist's best friend and worst enemy. It's a measure of sustained power output, a benchmark that can humble even the most confident rider when compared to the pros. Most professional cyclists have an FTP that starts with the number 4, which is impressive, but when you consider the outliers, it becomes truly mind-boggling.
Heavyweights and Lightweights
The likes of Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Mads Pedersen are powerhouses, capable of sustaining 300-400 watts for hours. Their weight, around 75-80 kg, puts their power-to-weight ratio (w/kg) in a respectable range. However, when we look at lighter riders like Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Paul Seixas, who weigh 60-63 kg, the numbers become extraordinary. An FTP of 450 watts for these riders translates to over 7 w/kg, a figure that challenges the limits of human physiology.
The Exceptional Tadej Pogačar
Tadej Pogačar is a phenomenon. His estimated FTP of 450 watts, coupled with his lightweight frame, gives him an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 6.9 w/kg. This explains his dominance in climbing, as seen on Plateau de Beille and Alpe d'Huez, where he sustained this power for 35-40 minutes, even after a multi-hour stage. Pogačar's raw power is unmatched, and it's a key advantage over his rivals.
The Battle for Second Place
Jonas Vingegaard, a two-time Tour de France winner, comes close to Pogačar's FTP, but with an estimated 410 watts, he's still a significant 50 watts behind. This power gap becomes evident on the steepest climbs, where Vingegaard can drop riders like Evenepoel and Seixas, but struggles to keep up with Pogačar. Even on gradual climbs, the difference in power becomes a decisive factor.
Aerodynamics and Flat-Out Speed
The raw power discrepancy also affects Vingegaard's performance on the flats and in time trials. While Pogačar can sustain 550 watts in his VO2 Max zone, Vingegaard is working anaerobically at the same power output, an unsustainable effort. This is where aerodynamics come into play. Vingegaard has been rumored to have gained weight to close the wattage gap, and indeed, we've seen him beat Pogačar in time trials, showcasing the importance of aerodynamics in closing performance gaps.
Remco Evenepoel: The Aero Advantage
Remco Evenepoel, with an estimated FTP of 425 watts, has a lower raw power output than both Pogačar and Vingegaard. However, his lower weight and exceptional aerodynamics give him an edge on the flat and in time trials. Evenepoel can hold 6.5-6.7 w/kg for extended periods, which is enough to keep up with the strongest climbers on the longest and steepest ascents. But it's on the flat where he truly excels, attacking and building an insurmountable gap.
Mathieu van der Poel: Power and Classics
Mathieu van der Poel, with an estimated FTP over 470 watts, is a powerhouse on the flat. His weight fluctuates, but his raw power gives him an advantage on flatter courses, especially in the Classics. On cobblestones, where aerodynamics are less of a factor, van der Poel can match Pogačar's power output, making it difficult for the latter to drop him.
The Rising Stars: Del Toro and Seixas
Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas are the scary young talents of professional cycling. At just 22 and 19 years old, respectively, they are already among the best, with estimated FTPs around 410 watts. What's even more impressive is their rapid improvement. Del Toro, who was not considered among the top climbers in 2025, has won multiple stage races and finished third at the Tour de France in 2026. Seixas, three years younger, has already finished second in Strade Bianche and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Their potential is limitless, and they could soon challenge the established stars.
Final Thoughts
FTP is just one metric, but it provides a fascinating insight into the world of professional cycling. It's a reminder of the incredible physical feats these athletes achieve and the fine margins that separate the best from the rest. As we continue to see new records and performances, it's clear that the limits of human endurance and power are constantly being pushed and redefined.
