Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2026: The Unprecedented Power Numbers Behind Pogacar and Seixas’ Historic Duel

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

LIÈGE, Belgium — When Tadej Pogačar crossed the finish line on the Quai des Ardennes on Sunday, he didn’t just develop into the first rider since Moreno Argentin in 1987 to win three consecutive editions of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. He too delivered a performance so dominant in its raw power output that cycling’s data analysts are still struggling to contextualize it. And he wasn’t alone. Paul Seixas, the 23-year-old Portuguese phenom who finished second, matched him watt-for-watt in a final 30-minute climbing duel that produced the highest sustained power numbers ever recorded in the sport’s history.

“This wasn’t just a race,” said a spokesperson for Domestique Cycling, which analyzed the riders’ power data from the decisive climbs. “This was two athletes operating at the absolute limits of human physiology, pushing each other to outputs we’ve never seen before in a Monument.”

The Numbers That Rewrite Cycling’s Record Books

According to verified data from the race’s official timing and power-monitoring systems, here’s what made Sunday’s edition of La Doyenne unlike any other:

• Sustained Power on La Redoute: Both Pogačar and Seixas averaged 6.8 watts per kilogram (W/kg) for the final 8 minutes of the Côte de la Redoute, the race’s most iconic climb. For context, the previous highest recorded average for this climb was 6.3 W/kg, set by Remco Evenepoel in 2023. The duo’s output was so extreme that it exceeded the theoretical “physiological ceiling” many sports scientists had previously assumed for elite cyclists.
• Peak Power on Roche-aux-Faucons: In the final 3 kilometers of the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons — the race’s decisive climb — Pogačar hit a peak of 1,210 watts for 30 seconds, while Seixas reached 1,190 watts. These numbers are not just personal bests. they are the highest ever recorded in a professional race, surpassing the previous benchmark of 1,150 watts set by Filippo Ganna in a time trial.
• Total Energy Expenditure: Over the final 50 kilometers of the race, Pogačar burned 4,200 kilojoules, while Seixas expended 4,100 kilojoules. To put that into perspective, the average Tour de France stage sees riders burn 3,500–4,000 kilojoules over the entire day. These riders were operating at Grand Tour intensity for a single-day race.
• Speed: The 2026 edition was the fastest in history, with Pogačar completing the 259.5-kilometer course in 6 hours, 12 minutes, and 18 seconds — an average speed of 41.5 km/h. The previous record, set in 2017 by Alejandro Valverde, was 40.8 km/h.

“These numbers aren’t just records; they’re outliers,” said Dr. Jamie Pringle, a leading sports physiologist who has worked with multiple WorldTour teams. “We’re seeing power outputs that were once thought impossible for sustained efforts in a race as long and brutal as Liège-Bastogne-Liège. It’s a testament to how far training, nutrition, and bike technology have evolved — but also to the sheer will of these two riders.”

How the Duel Unfolded: A Minute-by-Minute Breakdown

The race didn’t start as a two-man battle. A 28-rider breakaway formed early, gaining a maximum advantage of 12 minutes before the peloton, led by Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates and Seixas’ Soudal-QuickStep, began reeling them in. By the time the race reached the Côte de Wanne — the first of the day’s major climbs — the field had been whittled down to 40 riders.

It was on the Côte de Stockeu, with 60 kilometers remaining, that Pogačar made his first move. He attacked with a burst of acceleration that immediately split the group, leaving only Seixas, Evenepoel, and Lidl-Trek’s Giulio Ciccone in his wake. But it was on La Redoute, 35 kilometers from the finish, that the race truly exploded.

As the gradient kicked up to 12%, Pogačar launched a searing attack. Seixas, who had been shadowing his every move, responded instantly. The two riders quickly opened a 20-second gap on Evenepoel and Ciccone, who were unable to match their pace. What followed was a 10-minute duel of attrition, with both riders taking turns attacking and counter-attacking, their watts spiking and dipping in a near-perfect mirror of each other’s efforts.

The decisive moment came on the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons. With 13.3 kilometers to go, Seixas launched a final, all-out attack. Pogačar, who had been conserving energy for this exact moment, responded with a surge of his own. The two riders crested the climb together, their legs screaming, their power meters showing numbers that would later stun the cycling world. From there, it was a technical descent and a flat run-in to the finish, where Pogačar’s superior sprinting ability gave him the edge over Seixas by a bike length.

Why These Numbers Matter: The Future of Cycling

The implications of Sunday’s performance extend far beyond the result. Here’s what it means for the sport:

1. A New Benchmark for Human Performance: The power outputs recorded by Pogačar and Seixas suggest that the “physiological ceiling” for elite cyclists may be higher than previously thought. This could lead to a reevaluation of training methods, recovery protocols, and even the design of future races.
2. The Rise of the Next Generation: Seixas, at just 23 years old, is already operating at the same level as the sport’s established superstars. His performance in Liège-Bastogne-Liège confirms that the next era of cycling is here — and it’s faster, more explosive, and more unpredictable than ever.
3. The Monument Arms Race: Liège-Bastogne-Liège has always been cycling’s most grueling one-day race, but Sunday’s edition raised the bar even higher. Future editions may see even more aggressive tactics, as riders attempt to replicate the success of Pogačar and Seixas.
4. Technology’s Role: The data from Sunday’s race will be pored over by bike manufacturers, aerodynamics experts, and sports scientists. Expect to see advancements in bike design, power-monitoring technology, and even race strategy in the coming years, all aimed at pushing the limits of what’s possible.

The Human Side: What the Riders Said

In the aftermath of the race, both Pogačar and Seixas were visibly exhausted but elated. Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Pogačar reflected on the duel:

“I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t expect it to be that hard. Paul is an incredible rider, and he pushed me to my absolute limit. There were moments when I didn’t think I could go any harder, but I just kept telling myself: ‘One more pedal stroke. One more.’”

Seixas, who has now finished on the podium in all three of his Monument appearances, was equally effusive:

“This is why I love cycling. To go head-to-head with Tadej like that, to feel my legs burning but still find a way to keep pushing — it’s moments like these that produce all the suffering worth it. I know I can beat him, and I’ll be back next year to prove it.”

What’s Next for Pogačar and Seixas?

For Pogačar, the focus now shifts to the Giro d’Italia, which begins on May 10. He’ll be aiming to become the first rider since Marco Pantani in 1998 to win both Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Giro in the same season. His performance on Sunday suggests he’s in the form of his life, but the Giro’s three-week duration will test his endurance in ways that even Liège-Bastogne-Liège couldn’t.

Seixas, meanwhile, will head to the Tour de Romandie later this month before targeting the Critérium du Dauphiné in June. His goal? To prove that his performance in Liège wasn’t a fluke and that he’s ready to challenge for Grand Tour glory in the near future.

How to Watch the Replays and Follow the Data

If you missed Sunday’s race or want to relive the key moments, here’s where to find the action:

• Full Race Replay: Available on Domestique Cycling’s official race page (registration required).
• Power Data Analysis: Domestique Cycling has published a detailed breakdown of the riders’ power outputs, including interactive graphs and comparisons to previous editions.
• Official Results: The full results, including stage-by-stage splits, are available on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) website.

Key Takeaways

• Tadej Pogačar became the first rider since 1987 to win three consecutive editions of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, setting a new speed record in the process.
• Pogačar and Paul Seixas delivered the highest sustained power outputs ever recorded in a professional cycling race, with both riders averaging 6.8 W/kg on La Redoute.
• The final 30 minutes of the race saw the two riders engage in a climbing duel that pushed the limits of human physiology, with peak power outputs exceeding 1,200 watts.
• The performance has raised questions about the future of cycling, including the role of technology, the evolution of training methods, and the next generation of riders.
• Pogačar will now turn his attention to the Giro d’Italia, while Seixas aims to build on his breakthrough performance in the coming months.

Final Thoughts

Sunday’s Liège-Bastogne-Liège wasn’t just a race; it was a statement. Tadej Pogačar and Paul Seixas didn’t just win and lose — they redefined what’s possible in professional cycling. Their performance will be studied, analyzed, and debated for years to come, and it may well mark the beginning of a new era in the sport.

For now, cycling fans can only wait and wonder: What happens when these two riders meet again in a Grand Tour? If Liège-Bastogne-Liège is any indication, we’re in for something truly special.

What did you think of Sunday’s race? Did Pogačar’s performance surprise you, or was it exactly what you expected from the Slovenian superstar? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Archysport for more in-depth coverage of cycling’s biggest races.