Lance Armstrong, once a dominant force in professional cycling, has been the subject of renewed concern from those within his inner circle. According to George Hincapie, a former teammate and longtime friend, Armstrong’s recent behavior and statements suggest that he may be struggling with delusions that could be harmful both to himself and the sport he once dominated.
Hincapie, who rode alongside Armstrong during his seven (now voided) Tour de France victories, has been one of Armstrong’s most steadfast supporters over the years. However, in a candid interview, Hincapie expressed growing concern about Armstrong’s mental state, particularly in light of recent comments and actions that have raised eyebrows within the cycling community.
“Lance has always been a strong personality, but lately, it feels like he’s lost touch with reality,” Hincapie said. “He’s been making some pretty outlandish claims and seems convinced that everyone is still out to get him. I think it’s time we acknowledge that he might need help.”
Armstrong has been increasingly vocal on his podcast *The Move*, where he discusses current cycling events and reflects on his own career. However, some of his recent statements have been met with concern rather than support. He has been outspoken in his criticism of current riders, often comparing them to his own era in a way that some say borders on obsessive.
“Lance is convinced that the sport hasn’t moved on, that it’s still stuck in some kind of vendetta against him,” Hincapie explained. “He talks about being persecuted, about how he’s still the real champion, despite everything that’s happened. It’s like he’s trapped in the past.”
Hincapie’s concerns have resonated with others in the cycling community, including fellow former professionals like Tyler Hamilton and Levi Leipheimer. Both have acknowledged that Armstrong’s mental health might be deteriorating and that intervention from friends and family might be necessary.
“Lance has been through a lot, and it’s understandable that he’s carrying a lot of baggage,” Leipheimer said. “But when your perspective becomes that distorted, it’s time for those who care about you to step in.”
Hamilton, who famously testified against Armstrong during the doping investigations, has also expressed his concern. “We may have had our differences, but I don’t want to see Lance go down this path. He needs support, not just from fans or media, but from people who really know him.”
The cycling world is watching closely to see how Armstrong responds to this public plea from his former teammates. While Armstrong has always prided himself on his resilience and ability to fight against the odds, it remains to be seen whether he will accept the help that those close to him are offering.
In the meantime, the calls for intervention have sparked a broader conversation about the mental health of athletes, particularly those who have faced intense scrutiny and fall from grace. Armstrong’s story, already one of the most controversial in sports history, may be entering a new and challenging chapter—one that could define his legacy as much as his victories or his scandals.
