Never, Ever Listen to Lance Armstrong About Anything” – Ex-Pro Slams Disgraced American’s Advice to Tadej Pogačar During Tour de France
The Tour de France, the pinnacle of professional cycling, is often a stage for drama both on and off the bike. This year, the spotlight has been partially stolen by a heated exchange involving Lance Armstrong, the disgraced American cyclist, and his unsolicited advice to Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling prodigy and two-time Tour de France champion.
Armstrong, whose career was marred by one of the most notorious doping scandals in sports history, recently offered public advice to Pogačar, suggesting strategies and tactics for navigating the grueling race. His comments quickly drew the ire of the cycling community, particularly from retired professionals who believe Armstrong’s legacy has disqualified him from providing any credible guidance.
One such ex-pro, who requested anonymity, did not mince words. “Never, ever listen to Lance Armstrong about anything,” he stated emphatically. “His entire career is built on deceit, and his input is the last thing a rider like Pogačar needs. Lance lost all respect and credibility the moment his lies were exposed.”
Armstrong’s downfall began in 2012 when the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) released a detailed report accusing him of using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career. Subsequently, he was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from competitive cycling for life. Despite his eventual admission of guilt in a 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Armstrong’s reputation never recovered, and his presence in the sport has remained controversial.
Tadej Pogačar, on the other hand, has been celebrated for his remarkable talent and sportsmanship. Winning the Tour de France in 2020 and 2021 at a young age, Pogačar has quickly risen to stardom, capturing the hearts of cycling fans worldwide. His clean record and consistent performance have set him apart as a new beacon of hope in a sport still recovering from its doping scandals.
The unsolicited advice from Armstrong, seen by many as a desperate attempt to remain relevant, was particularly ill-received given Pogačar’s spotless reputation. Many in the cycling community believe that Armstrong should refrain from involving himself in current affairs, especially when it comes to young riders who are building their careers on integrity and hard work.
“Armstrong’s era is over, and his words should carry no weight in today’s cycling world,” the ex-pro continued. “Pogačar and other young cyclists need to be shielded from such negative influences. They represent the future of this sport, and we should be encouraging them to learn from positive role models, not those who have betrayed the trust of fans and fellow athletes.”
Pogačar himself has not publicly responded to Armstrong’s advice, remaining focused on his performance in the Tour de France. His silence on the matter could be seen as a wise move, choosing to concentrate on his own strategy and the guidance of his trusted team rather than the unsolicited opinions of a controversial figure.
As the Tour de France progresses, fans and commentators alike will be watching to see how Pogačar navigates the challenges ahead. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the cycling world is ready to move forward, leaving behind the shadows of its past and embracing a new generation of riders who are determined to uphold the sport’s integrity.
