The Mystery Black Sensor Pogačar Wore at Strade Bianche Is Not What You Think It Is

Tadej Pogačar created his own take on a black box mystery Saturday at Strade Bianche.

Images of King Pog as he raised his right arm aloft to celebrate his fourth victory in Siena’s iconic Pizza del Campo kicked up a storm on social media.

What’s that mysterious dark shadow near his armpit?

Veteran TV pundit Brian Smith and Het Nieuwsblad‘s podcast panel joined the masses in Couch Peloton who pondered the distinct bulge beneath Pogačar’s dusty rainbow skinsuit.

Is it one of the optical heart rate sensors that have taken running by storm? A pioneering new continuous lactate sensor? A core temperature sensor, maybe?

Or – shock horror – a strictly forbidden continuous glucose monitor?

Turns out it’s none of those things, and it’s neither controversial nor is it hugely exciting.

UAE Emirates-XRG confirmed to Velo on Sunday that it’s simply Pogačar’s Whoop strap.

These heart rate variability trackers are most commonly worn at the wrist for optimal accuracy and comfort, but can be worn elsewhere.

After several years of only offering the OG wrist strap, Whoop released a bicep alternative for users who don’t get on with clutter at their cuffs, or were struggling with unreliable readings.

Why Pogačar chose the bicep?

Rewind through any bike race, and you’ll see dozens of elite racers wearing a Whoop on their wrist. They track sleep and heart rate variability to provide a unique insight into strain, fatigue, and recovery.

Mathieu van der Poel is a particularly high-profile ambassador for the burgeoning wearable brand, and Team EF has had an official partnership.

Pogačar’s UAE Emirates-XRG squad joined the HRV party this winter when it officially teamed up with Whoop.

Team staff confirmed to Velo that many of their riders have been using the bicep strap in the months since. Comfort, reliability, and aerodynamics were all factors in a rider’s preference.

The curious thing?

Pogačar has been seen wearing his Whoop on his wrist many times this winter. Not even UAE staffers could explain why he chose to stick it in his armpit for Strade.

One thing that’s certain – it can’t have been an aero consideration. Just look at the size of the $300,000 Richard Mille watch that weighed down Pogačar’s left arm in Siena.

And if it was a P.R. stunt, we all fell for it, hook, line, and sensor.