The Secrets Behind Pogačar’s Distinctive Riding Style

Tadej Pogačar is a machine—a unique one, though.

His riding style? It’s like watching a person in a race against time while everyone else is stuck in traffic.

It’s a dance, a rhythm, a blend of grace and power. But don’t be fooled, it’s not just about how smooth he looks in motion.

Behind that trademark wiggle, there’s a method. An art.

Let’s break down the secrets behind Pogačar’s distinctive riding style—because watching him is like seeing a bike race through the lens of genius.

1. The “Wiggle” — Or Is It Magic?

It’s not some random shimmy.

No, this isn’t just some twitchy quirk of a guy riding a bike.

Pogačar’s little wiggle during his attacks is his body’s way of creating a more efficient power transfer.

Instead of the typical rigid posture, his upper body leans forward and moves a bit—like a finely-tuned machine making subtle adjustments on the fly.

This movement could be a sign of energy flow, or perhaps it’s his body’s way of optimizing muscle recruitment while ensuring maximum power goes into the pedals.

Some say it’s a quirk; I say it’s science wrapped in sweat.

2. Cadence: Like A Clock With No Ticks

Tadej Pogačar is the king of rhythm.

It’s not just about going fast; it’s about going fast efficiently. His cadence is higher than most, and this isn’t an accident.

Where other riders might stomp on the pedals with brute force, Pogačar maintains a rapid cadence, smoothly spinning his legs around like a ballerina on a mountain climb.

His cranks? Shorter—165mm cranks, baby.

They help him spin quicker and use less energy, giving him the endurance to make those big, explosive moves when the peloton is practically begging for mercy.

Faster cadence = less fatigue, and he’s basically the human embodiment of that math.

3. The Forward Tilt: Saddle Positioning, But Cooler

While the rest of the cycling world struggles with their saddle height debates, Pogačar rides with a saddle position that’s as forward as his ambitions.

This adjustment allows him to get over the bottom bracket while climbing, maximizing his power output with a more efficient pedal stroke.

He might not be the only rider to use this position, but he’s certainly one of the best at it.

His core stays solid, no slouching into the bike like the rest of us mere mortals. It’s all power and no wasted motion—his pelvis tilts and aligns with precision like a fighter waiting for the bell.

4. Less Standing, More Power Sitting

This isn’t Froome or Pantani with their iconic “out of the saddle” bursts of power.

Pogačar prefers staying seated while climbing, letting his core and legs do all the work.

It’s not laziness—it’s efficiency. The dude’s core is tighter than a drum, and it translates into an almost eerie ability to maintain high power on climbs without needing to get out of the saddle.

While everyone else is popping up to make a move, he just sits there, working like a slow-burning fuse that’s about to ignite.

5. Crank Length and Comfort: A Subtle Change, Major Impact

Recently, Pogačar switched from 172.5mm to 165mm cranks, and boy, does it make a difference.

Shorter cranks allow him to keep that high cadence without feeling like he’s working in slow motion.

But it’s not just about aesthetics or experimentation. These changes are tactical—more natural, more efficient, and less mechanical strain.

It’s like making your body a perfect fit for a race car, except instead of an engine, he’s got legs of steel.

6. Grip It And Rip It: Handlebar Position

Tadej’s hand position is another subtle detail that sets him apart. Instead of the typical hands firmly gripped around the hoods, he shifts his position depending on the situation.

Climbing, for example, you’ll see him with just a few fingers on the brake levers.

Why? This allows him to stay more forward over the bike, maintaining a smoother, more efficient climbing posture without tiring out his quads too quickly.

It’s a simple shift in technique that means the difference between maintaining power and burning out.

7. Core Power

His upper body wiggles a little, but don’t be fooled—his core is rock solid.

You’ll rarely see Pogačar sagging into the bike, even after hours of brutal climbing.

His pelvis moves like a hinge, his back stays straight, and his entire frame is stable while his legs pump like pistons.

This creates a stable platform to transfer every ounce of power into the pedals.

When others would start to fatigue and get messy, Tadej stays tight and clean. Power through form, not chaos.

8. The Race Face: Always On

You know that look? The one where Pogačar seems like he’s just waiting for you to blink before he attacks?

That’s his race face. It’s not just for show—it’s mental warfare. He rides like a man possessed by the spirit of competition.

The guy’s not just racing to win; he’s racing because it’s in his blood. The strength of his mind matches the power in his legs.

Key Aspect	What Makes It Unique
Wiggle During Attacks	A subtle body movement optimizing power transfer
Cadence	High cadence for efficient energy use and endurance
Forward Saddle Position	Allows better pedal stroke efficiency while climbing
Staying Seated	Maximum power output without the need to stand up
Shorter Cranks (165mm)	Enhances cadence and reduces strain
Handlebar Position	Shifts for efficiency and power conservation
Core Strength	Keeps body tight and stable for optimal power use
Mental Focus	Always racing with intention, not just to win but to dominate

Conclusion:

There’s no magic in Pogačar’s riding style. But damn, it sure looks like magic.

What we’re really witnessing is a cyclist who’s figured out every inch of the bike and every turn of his muscles to wring out the most efficient ride possible.

While you and I are out there trying to catch up, he’s out there playing chess while we’re stuck on checkers.

Maybe it’s his body, maybe it’s his mind—but honestly? It’s everything.