The difference is partly explained by body mass. Mohorič is listed at around 70kg, compared with approximately 61kg for Kuss. Carrying more weight uphill generally demands more energy, particularly when climbing dominates a stage.
The totals also show why finishing position does not tell the whole story. Kuss finished higher overall, but Mohorič’s heavier frame and racing demands produced the larger estimated expenditure.
The report says the pair averaged only 673 calories during the 10.9km uphill time trial on stage 13. Stage 18 was a different test entirely: 5,642 metres of climbing and more than 6,000 calories burned on average.
That contrast captures the Tour’s defining challenge. The hardest task is not one spectacular effort, but repeating demanding days while recovering overnight. Public estimates for Remco Evenepoel were broadly comparable on road stages before his withdrawal, while Tadej Pogačar’s visible totals were much lower, highlighting the limitations of power-based calorie estimates.
Riders cannot replace this energy with ordinary meals alone. Teams use nutritionists, chefs, gels and carbohydrate drinks, with food planned before and after stages as carefully as tactics.
The next Tour will provide another test of how accurately public ride files capture the hidden cost of three weeks in the peloton-and how effectively teams turn that information into race-day performance.