The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Science of Sport Spotlight 6: How Pro Cyclists Use Carbon Monoxide / Pogacar's Superhuman Numbers

Jul 17, 2024

Discussion on how professional cyclists use carbon monoxide for performance enhancement, including its effects on hemoglobin levels and VO2max. Analysis of Tadej Pogacar's exceptional numbers at the Tour de France and the skepticism surrounding his performances. Exploring the history and skepticism around doping in cycling, along with the challenges and ethical implications of utilizing carbon monoxide in sports.

43:14

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Quick takeaways

Elite cyclists may use carbon monoxide to enhance performance through increased hemoglobin mass and VO2max.

Skepticism around cycling performances like Tadej Pogacar's highlights the history of doping and technological advancements in the sport.

Deep dives

The Use of Carbon Monoxide in Altitude Training

Elite athletes are potentially inhaling carbon monoxide to measure hemoglobin mass, a crucial performance metric, and to drive adaptations that enhance performance. This controversial method raises questions about its therapeutic use and direct performance benefits. While teams confirm the use of carbon monoxide for measurements, there are suspicions about potential enhancements, highlighting the thin line between legitimate assessment and performance enhancement.

Intro

4min

The Use of Carbon Monoxide in Professional Cycling

19min

Exploring the History and Skepticism Around Doping in Sports

2min

Professional Cyclists and the Use of Carbon Monoxide for Performance Enhancement

6min

Exploring Exceptional Cycling Performances and Power Numbers

9min

Analyzing Performance Factors and Cynicism in Cycling

5min

In a recent article on the Escape Collective, claims were made that Tour de France cyclists are using carbon monoxide to enhance their performance. But is it really that big a deal or is there more to this story? Mike and Ross break down how carbon monoxide is used and potentially abused as cyclists looked for any means to get an advantage. The team also break down some the incredible numbers being pushed out by Tadej Pogacar at Le Tour and ask the question on everyone's lips: Can we believe it?

SHOW NOTES:

Carbon monoxide use:

The original Carbon monoxide article

A paper on how Hb Mass is related closely to VO2max

One of the first published studies that describes how breathing CO might unlock performance enhancement. In this study, college student football players also breathed in 1ml per kilogram body weight before all sessions. It drove an increase in EPO, haemoglobin levels and VO2max.

Another study, by Schmidt, where moderately trained subjects inhaled CO five times a day. Haemoglobin mass increased, they made more reticulocytes, and VO2max increased (though not significantly)

Some sources for power output estimates at the Tour de France:

Ammatti on Twitter

The detailed analysis of the Plateau du Beille stage, and comparison against historical performances

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