In the world of professional cycling, Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is a metric that often sparks friendly rivalries and humble brags among enthusiasts. But when we delve into the FTPs of the very best cyclists, we uncover a fascinating insight into the raw power and physiological capabilities that separate the elite from the rest.
The Elite's Power Advantage
The pros' FTPs typically start with the number 4, with a few exceptional riders reaching the 500-watt mark. However, when we focus on the crème de la crème of cycling, the range narrows to an impressive 450 watts. This is where the real power battle begins.
Heavyweights and Their Sustained Power
Cyclists like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Mads Pedersen consistently deliver 300-400 watts for hours on end. While their weight, around 75-80 kg, means their power-to-weight ratio (w/kg) is impressive, it's not off the charts. But when we consider lighter riders, the numbers become truly extraordinary.
The Lightweight Powerhouses
Riders like Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Paul Seixas, weighing in at 60-63 kg, present a different kind of power profile. An FTP of 450 watts for them translates to over 7 w/kg, a level of power output that's simply mind-boggling and, some might argue, not humanly possible.
Tadej Pogačar: The Unfathomable Power-to-Weight Ratio
Tadej Pogačar, a rider of exceptional talent, stands out with an estimated FTP of 450 watts. What makes Pogačar unique is his incredibly low body weight, often around 65 kg. This results in an FTP of 6.9 w/kg, a number that most amateurs can only dream of sustaining for a few minutes. Pogačar's ability to maintain this power output for extended periods, as seen in his climbing performances on Plateau de Beille and Alpe d'Huez, is a testament to his extraordinary physiological capabilities.
The Power Discrepancy: Pogačar vs. Vingegaard
Pogačar's biggest advantage over his rival, Jonas Vingegaard, lies in raw power. While Vingegaard's FTP is impressive, Pogačar is estimated to have a 50-watt advantage. This power discrepancy becomes evident on the steepest climbs, where Vingegaard can keep up with riders like Evenepoel, Seixas, and others on 10% grades, but struggles as the gradient lessens. This was evident in Stage 6 of the 2026 Tour de France, where Pogačar pulled away from Vingegaard on the gradual climb to Gavarnie-Gèdre.
Aerodynamics: The Secret Weapon
Vingegaard's power disadvantage also affects his performance on the flats and in time trials. When Pogačar is pushing 550 watts in crosswinds, he's working in his VO2 Max zone, an effort that's unsustainable for most riders. Vingegaard, on the other hand, is operating in his anaerobic zone at the same power output. This is where aerodynamics come into play. Vingegaard has been rumored to have gained weight in 2026, a strategy to close the wattage gap with Pogačar. Remco Evenepoel, a double Olympic champion, has mastered this art, beating both Pogačar and Vingegaard in time trials with a lower raw FTP and w/kg FTP.
Remco Evenepoel: The Aero Advantage
Evenepoel's estimated FTP of 425 watts, or 6.7 w/kg at 63 kg, puts him slightly below Vingegaard's FTP by w/kg. This is why we often see Evenepoel getting dropped on the longest and steepest climbs at the Tour. However, his true strength lies in his aerodynamics. Evenepoel can hold 6.5-6.7 w/kg for extended periods, putting him ahead of most riders in the field. But it's on the flat and in time trials where his aero advantage truly shines. He can maintain high speeds with lower power outputs, a skill that has seen him beat Pogačar and others in time trials.
Mathieu van der Poel: The Powerhouse of the Flats
Mathieu van der Poel, with an estimated FTP of over 470 watts, is a powerhouse on flat roads. His ability to sustain high power outputs for extended periods gives him an advantage over riders like Pogačar on flatter courses. This is especially evident in the tough and bumpy classics of Flanders and Roubaix, where aerodynamics play a crucial role. Evenepoel's aero advantage works on smooth roads, but on the cobblestones, it's all about raw power. Van der Poel, with his massive power output, can match Pogačar's speed even when doing 7 w/kg compared to Pogačar's 8.3 w/kg.
The Rising Stars: Del Toro and Seixas
Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas are two young riders who are already making their mark on the professional cycling scene. At just 22 and 19 years old, respectively, they are estimated to have FTPs of around 410 watts. What's truly remarkable is their rapid improvement. Del Toro, who wasn't considered among the top climbers in 2025, has won multiple WorldTour stage races and finished third at the Tour de France in 2026. Seixas, three years younger, has finished second in prestigious races like Strade Bianche and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Their potential for growth is immense, unlike the more established riders like Pogačar, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel, who might find it harder to add significant power at this stage of their careers.
In conclusion, the world of professional cycling is a fascinating showcase of human physiological capabilities. The power outputs and power-to-weight ratios of these elite riders are a testament to the incredible physical feats they achieve on a daily basis. It's a reminder that, in cycling, raw power, weight, and aerodynamics all play crucial roles in determining who stands atop the podium.
