In a recent episode of *The Move* podcast, Lance Armstrong stirred up controversy by suggesting that Tadej Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France champion, is receiving preferential treatment from race organizers. Joined by former teammate Dylan Casey, Armstrong did not mince words as he discussed what he perceives to be a growing trend in favor of the Slovenian cyclist.
Armstrong, who is no stranger to controversy himself, opened the discussion by acknowledging Pogačar’s undeniable talent and impressive achievements. However, he quickly pivoted to a more provocative point. “Don’t get me wrong,” Armstrong began, “Pogačar is an incredible rider, but I feel like he’s getting preferential treatment in some of these races. It’s like the race organizers are making sure things go his way.”
This comment, coming from a figure as polarizing as Armstrong, has sparked significant debate in the cycling community. Armstrong cited several instances where he believes race officials have been lenient or even favorable toward Pogačar and his UAE Team Emirates squad, pointing out specific stages in the Tour de France where he felt Pogačar was given undue advantages.
Armstrong specifically mentioned incidents during recent Tours de France where Pogačar’s actions seemed to go unpunished, or where the race dynamics appeared to favor him in ways that might not apply to other riders. “There were moments where other riders would have been penalized or at least questioned, but with Pogačar, it’s like everyone turns a blind eye,” Armstrong claimed. “It’s almost like they want him to win.”
He also alluded to tactical scenarios where he felt the peloton or certain teams may have been less aggressive in challenging Pogačar, though he did not provide concrete evidence to support these claims. “You watch these races, and sometimes it feels like the whole thing is being choreographed to ensure that Pogačar comes out on top,” Armstrong said.
Dylan Casey, who co-hosted the podcast with Armstrong, was somewhat more reserved in his comments but did not dismiss Armstrong’s concerns outright. “Look, Tadej is a phenomenal talent,” Casey said, “but I understand where Lance is coming from. There are definitely moments that make you wonder if the playing field is entirely level.”
Casey pointed out that cycling has a long history of controversy and questionable decisions from race officials, suggesting that it wouldn’t be the first time a star rider received preferential treatment. “It’s not unprecedented,” Casey noted. “We’ve seen this before in the sport, where certain riders or teams seem to get the benefit of the doubt more often than others.”
The cycling community has responded to Armstrong’s comments with a mix of outrage, skepticism, and support. Critics of Armstrong were quick to point out the irony of his accusations, given his own history of doping and manipulation within the sport. Many questioned his motives, suggesting that he might be trying to undermine a new generation of cyclists who have managed to stay clear of scandal.
However, some fans and commentators echoed Armstrong’s concerns, noting that the sheer dominance of Pogačar and his team could be leading to subconscious biases among officials and organizers. “There’s no doubt that Pogačar is the rider to beat right now,” said one commentator. “But Armstrong raises a fair point—are the rules being applied equally, or is there some level of favoritism at play?”
So far, Tadej Pogačar and his team have not issued an official response to Armstrong’s claims. However, sources close to the team suggest that they are aware of the comments and are taking them seriously, though they view them as unfounded and potentially damaging.
“These kinds of accusations are not helpful for the sport,” said a representative from UAE Team Emirates. “Tadej’s success is the result of hard work, talent, and strategy. To imply that it’s anything other than that is disrespectful to him and to everyone who works behind the scenes to make these victories possible.”
Armstrong’s comments, whether grounded in fact or not, have sparked a broader conversation about fairness and the integrity of the sport. With Pogačar emerging as one of the most dominant riders of his generation, questions about how race organizers and officials manage the competition are likely to persist.
As cycling continues to evolve, the balance between promoting its stars and maintaining a fair, level playing field will be critical. Armstrong’s critique, while controversial, serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in a sport that has seen its fair share of controversy over the years.
For now, Pogačar remains focused on his upcoming races, but the shadow cast by Armstrong’s comments will likely follow him for some time, adding another layer of intrigue to his already storied career.
