UAE reveal Tadej Pogacar’s sleep and recovery data at Tour de France

UAE Team Emirates-XRG and sleep technology partner Eight Sleep have shared a glimpse into the recovery data of its Tour de France squad, publishing sleep scores for all eight of its riders in an Instagram Story ahead of Saturday's crucial mountain stage.

The social media story illustrated former Belgian champion Tim Wellens with the highest sleep duration at 9 hours and 9 minutes, while Mexican champion Isaac del Toro ranked eighth with 7 hours and 24 minutes. 

Meanwhile, world champion and Tour leader Tadej Pogačar ranked sixth in the team, ahead of Del Toro and Felix Großschartner, with a sleep duration of 8 hours and 12 minutes. The post did not specify when the sleep data was recorded or the period it covered.

In terms of Pod temperature settings, Pogačar and Brandon McNulty recorded the lowest figure shown, both at 22.5°C, while Nils Politt had the highest setting at 26.2°C.

The UAE Team Emirates-XRG riders have been using the Eight Sleep pod system throughout the Tour. The computer-controlled mattresses automatically regulate temperature overnight while tracking recovery metrics including resting heart rate, heart rate variability and breathing rate.

"The biggest advantage is the automatic temperature control," team doctor Raaghib Fredericks told Het Nieuwsblad. "Especially given the tropical temperatures during this Tour. If it gets too hot at night and the rider starts to sweat, the mattress automatically cools itself down, even before the rider wakes up."

Fredericks added: "The mattress monitors everything: resting heart rate, sleep zones, heart rate variability, breathing rate... You can then adjust your mattress settings based on that data."

Teammate Florian Vermeersch also praised the system, stating, "I sleep really well on it." The Belgian added that riders can also use features including a gentle vibration alarm, while "if you start snoring, the mattress lifts your head slightly."

According to Het Nieuwsblad, Pogačar first tested the technology last year before it was introduced across UAE Team Emirates-XRG's Grand Tour squad this season.