Tadej Pogačar’s Strade Bianche Tech: Unpacking the Mystery Sensor

Tadej Pogačar’s record-breaking fourth victory at Strade Bianche wasn’t just a display of athletic dominance; it also sparked curiosity about a black sensor visible on his upper arm during the race. The sensor, seen through the fabric of his rainbow-banded skinsuit as he celebrated his win in Piazza del Campo, immediately ignited speculation online.

Rumors ranged from core temperature monitoring to advanced blood lactate sensors, with some recalling the 2023 disqualification of Kristen Faulkner for using a continuous glucose monitor. However, the truth proved less groundbreaking: the device was a Whoop sensor.

Whoop Sensor Details

Although the exact model wasn’t confirmed, it’s likely Pogačar was using the Whoop 5.0 sensor. Whoop sensors track a variety of metrics including heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and overall strain and recovery. Typically worn on the wrist, often seen on riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Whoop sensors can be worn in other locations on the body.

Whoop offers activewear with integrated pockets designed to hold the sensor securely against the skin. Assos also manufactures bib shorts featuring a dedicated pocket for the device. In Pogačar’s case, the skintight fit of his Pissei-branded skinsuit sleeve likely served to hold the sensor in place.

Pogačar had been seen wearing the Whoop strap on social media prior to the race, indicating a pre-existing integration of the technology into his training regimen. Previously, UAE Team Emirates XRG was sponsored by UltraHuman, a competitor to Whoop, utilizing sensors with a ring-like design, similar to those offered by Oura.

Why the Upper Arm?

The reason for Pogačar’s choice to wear the Whoop sensor on his upper arm remains unknown. The presence of a large Richard Mille watch on his other wrist suggests aerodynamics weren’t a primary concern, and he wasn’t deterred from wearing wrist-worn devices after a similar watch caused discomfort during the 2023 Paris-Roubaix race.

Data and Further Tech Spotting

Despite the intrigue, Pogačar’s Strava upload for the race lacked heart rate and power data, leaving the specifics of his performance metrics shrouded in mystery. His average speed was 42.2km/h (26.2mph) over the course of nearly five hours.

Interestingly, other riders were also observed utilizing potentially unrevealed technology. Visma-Lease a Bike rider Per Strand Hagenes had a protrusion under the sleeve of his arm during a solo attempt at Le Samyn. When questioned, the team attributed it to empty gel wrappers, though speculation suggests it may have been another sensor, prompting further investigation.