In the ever-controversial world of professional cycling, two names are often at the forefront: Lance Armstrong and Greg LeMond. Both are Tour de France champions, but that’s where their similarities end. Their relationship has been marked by years of public spats, and the latest episode in their feud centers around a new rising star in cycling, Tadej Pogačar.
Recently, Armstrong, who has never been one to shy away from controversy, made scathing remarks about Pogačar, questioning his integrity and even hinting at doubts regarding the Slovenian’s performance. These comments quickly drew ire from many in the cycling community, but none more vociferous than Greg LeMond, who unleashed a blistering critique of Armstrong, suggesting that his former rival should be “jailed and forgotten.”
The tension between LeMond and Armstrong dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s when LeMond was one of the first prominent figures in cycling to publicly express doubts about Armstrong’s miraculous comeback from cancer and subsequent dominance in the Tour de France. LeMond’s skepticism was vindicated years later when Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour titles following a doping scandal.
Since then, the two have had a frosty relationship, with LeMond often being one of the loudest critics of Armstrong’s behavior both on and off the bike. Armstrong, on the other hand, has frequently dismissed LeMond as being bitter and jealous, stoking the flames of their rivalry.
Armstrong’s recent comments about Tadej Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France champion, raised eyebrows in the cycling community. Pogačar, known for his aggressive racing style and sportsmanship, has quickly become a fan favorite. However, Armstrong, who now hosts a popular podcast discussing cycling, launched into an unprovoked tirade against the young Slovenian.
Armstrong questioned Pogačar’s meteoric rise, insinuating that his performances were too good to be true. “We’ve seen this before,” Armstrong reportedly said on his podcast, alluding to the era of doping scandals that plagued the sport. “I’m not saying he’s cheating, but it’s hard not to draw comparisons.”
Greg LeMond did not mince words in his response to Armstrong’s comments. Speaking to the press, LeMond lambasted Armstrong, calling his remarks “disgraceful” and accusing him of attempting to tarnish the reputation of a young rider without any evidence.
“He is crazy,” LeMond said emphatically. “Lance has no right to question anyone’s integrity, especially not someone like Pogačar who has done nothing but bring hope and excitement back to the sport. For Lance to sit there and spew this kind of rubbish is beyond irresponsible—it’s dangerous.”
LeMond went further, suggesting that Armstrong’s continued presence in the cycling world is a stain on the sport. “Lance Armstrong should be jailed for what he did to cycling, and honestly, he should be forgotten. The damage he caused is incalculable, and now he wants to drag a clean rider like Pogačar through the mud? It’s outrageous.”
LeMond’s strong words have sparked a debate within the cycling community. While some agree with LeMond’s stance, arguing that Armstrong’s history disqualifies him from passing judgment on current riders, others believe that Armstrong is entitled to his opinions, especially given his experiences in the sport.
However, the broader consensus appears to be that Armstrong’s comments were unwarranted. Pogačar, who has been tested rigorously throughout his career and has never been linked to any wrongdoing, remains one of the sport’s most respected figures. His focus remains on his performances rather than engaging in media battles.
The clash between Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong is just another chapter in their long-standing feud, but it also highlights the broader challenges that cycling faces in moving past its troubled history. As the sport tries to rebuild trust with fans, figures like LeMond and Armstrong continue to play pivotal roles in shaping public perceptions.
Yet, as LeMond suggests, perhaps it’s time to look forward rather than backward. Tadej Pogačar represents a new generation of riders, one that should be celebrated for their achievements rather than being overshadowed by the mistakes of the past. And for LeMond, the sooner Lance Armstrong’s voice fades from the conversation, the better for the future of cycling.
