Jean-René Bernaudeau Calls on Pogačar to Share Performance Data Amid Rising Questions in Cycling

Jean-René Bernaudeau Calls on Pogačar to Share Performance Data Amid Rising Questions in Cycling

In a move that underscores growing calls for greater transparency in professional cycling, Jean-René Bernaudeau, the long-time director of the TotalEnergies team, has publicly urged Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar to release his performance data. The request, which comes amid another dominant season for the two-time Tour de France winner, reflects simmering tensions and a persistent undercurrent of skepticism in the sport regarding extraordinary performances.

Bernaudeau made the statement during an interview with L’Équipe, where he discussed concerns about the current state of the peloton and the importance of restoring public confidence in the sport’s integrity. “Cycling has made huge strides in fighting doping and promoting openness,” he said. “But when a rider shows such remarkable performances, the best way to remove doubt is full transparency. Pogačar should publish his data.”

The Frenchman emphasized that the call was not an accusation but rather a step toward normalizing openness in an era still haunted by the sport’s checkered past. “No one is saying Pogačar is doing anything wrong. But history has taught us that cycling must go above and beyond to earn the trust of fans, sponsors, and fellow athletes. Data transparency is part of that responsibility.”

A Champion Under the Microscope

Tadej Pogačar, 25, has become the defining rider of his generation. After winning back-to-back Tours de France in 2020 and 2021 and finishing a close second in 2022, he continues to dazzle with his aggressive style and seemingly effortless command over climbs, time trials, and even classics. His 2024 season has been no different, with commanding victories in races such as Strade Bianche and dominance in the early stages of the Giro d’Italia.

However, it is precisely this level of superiority that has reignited long-standing debates within the cycling community. While modern anti-doping measures are more stringent than ever—featuring biological passports, out-of-competition testing, and advanced analytics—some critics and observers argue that the sport still lacks sufficient real-time transparency.

“Releasing performance data such as power output, heart rate, and recovery metrics would help everyone understand how such performances are achieved,” said Bernaudeau. “It’s not just about trust—it’s about science and fairness.”

The Broader Conversation

Bernaudeau’s comments are not without precedent. Calls for performance transparency have circulated in the sport for over a decade. Notably, during the Lance Armstrong fallout and subsequent years of doping revelations, many experts suggested that public access to physiological data could serve as a deterrent against foul play.

Some teams and riders have responded positively in recent years. For example, Chris Froome and Team Sky (now INEOS Grenadiers) made parts of his performance data public during his Tour-winning years in an effort to quell doubts. However, critics at the time noted that selective or controlled releases of data could still be manipulated or misinterpreted.

“Real transparency means consistent access, not cherry-picked numbers,” said Antoine Vayer, a former coach and a longtime advocate for open data in cycling. “It should become part of the norm, not a PR stunt.”

Pogačar’s Response and Team UAE Emirates’ Stance

So far, neither Pogačar nor his team, UAE Team Emirates, has officially responded to Bernaudeau’s comments. The team has traditionally been reserved in discussing performance metrics, preferring to keep training data internal. However, team director Mauro Gianetti has previously stated that Pogačar undergoes “the most rigorous” testing regime and training supervision in the peloton.

In past interviews, Pogačar himself has expressed frustration at suspicions regarding his performance. “I understand the history of cycling makes people ask questions,” he said in 2023. “But I work hard, I love racing, and I want to inspire people—not make them doubt.”

Despite this, the silence in response to Bernaudeau’s challenge could become harder to maintain as more figures in the sport echo similar sentiments.

A Divided Peloton?

Within the peloton, opinions are split. Some riders agree with Bernaudeau, suggesting that transparency could level the playing field and build credibility. Others warn against an overreach that could compromise competitive advantage or misrepresent effort.

“Power data doesn’t tell the whole story,” said one WorldTour rider who requested anonymity. “Publishing numbers might satisfy some people, but it also opens riders up to criticism from those who don’t fully understand what they’re looking at. There’s a fine line.”

Still, Bernaudeau remains firm in his stance, arguing that transparency and competition are not mutually exclusive. “We are not asking for secrets or strategies,” he said. “Just the numbers that show the public how these athletes perform. That’s how we build trus