Originally Posted by
ZHVelo
EPO was a huge buff to performance in cycling. Unless they found ways to do it again that can't be detected yet (microdosing?) or he has a new thing, the gear Pogacar is on is not the same level as Armstrong et al. Most of his key rivals are not there or in poor form, the field is weak, making him look even stronger. These new kids already trained with power meters, optimal nutrition and training, and support. You cannot discount those things.
Anyway, I am all for pro riders having to publish power data along with bio passport. Makes everything more transparent.
The point that the field is weak is a good one. 2 of the top 3 rivals to Pogacar are not even the initial leaders on their team. The other, Uran, is good, but not a serious contender to win. No Roglic, no Bernal, no (on form) Yates, Porte and Thomas both lost time early and are in the twilight of their careers. This is likely the weakest GC field that we'll see for the next decade.