Pogačar Acknowledged Carbon Monoxide Rebreather Use
The cyclist confirmed the use of the device during his victory at stage 17 of the Tour de France.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Cycling
Live Poll
Should professional athletes be permitted to use performance-enhancing training technology?
Tadej Pogačar has publicly acknowledged using a carbon monoxide rebreather during the Tour de France. This confirmation follows his notable racing move on the Col du Noyer during stage 17 of the competition.
Why it matters
The disclosure provides insight into training and recovery practices utilized by elite cyclists. It also highlights the ongoing discussion surrounding technological and physiological interventions in professional sports.
Professional cyclist Tadej Pogačar admitted to using a carbon monoxide rebreather during his performance in stage 17 of the Tour de France. The efficacy and ethical standing of such devices in competitive endurance sports remain under active investigation.
The players
Tadej Pogačar
A professional road cyclist who won stage 17 of the Tour de France and recently disclosed his use of carbon monoxide rebreathing technology.
The details
Carbon monoxide rebreathers are used to measure blood parameters and hemoglobin mass, which may influence athletic performance. Pogačar used the device before his decisive move on the Col du Noyer during stage 17. He has denied any connection to an individual known as Mou and characterized previously leaked training data as inaccurate.
Timeline
- 2026-10-10
Publication of reports regarding the stage 17 events.
Health Landscape
This development reflects a broader trend toward the use of advanced physiological monitoring in professional endurance sports. It sits within an evolving landscape where athletes must navigate the thin line between standard recovery diagnostics and potential performance manipulation.
Understanding how elite athletes monitor physiological markers can help casual cyclists frame their own conversations with trainers about safe performance tracking. Always verify that any training equipment or recovery practices you adopt have been safely vetted for amateur use by your physician.
The takeaway
The use of advanced physiological tracking tools like carbon monoxide rebreathers illustrates the lengths to which elite athletes go to monitor their internal performance markers. Readers should focus on foundational training principles and discuss any interest in specialized equipment with a medical professional.
Further reading
For more on professional performance standards, visit the Cycling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ghanamma.
Live Poll
Should professional athletes be permitted to use performance-enhancing training technology?
