The world of professional cycling is no stranger to controversy, and few names stir up as much debate as those of Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong. The two American cycling legends have been at odds for years, with their feud resurfacing whenever the conversation turns to doping, ethics, and the future of the sport. Recently, LeMond has once again taken aim at Armstrong, this time in the context of rising star Tadej Pogačar, the young Slovenian phenom who has taken the cycling world by storm.
Greg LeMond, a three-time Tour de France champion, has long been a vocal critic of doping in cycling. His rivalry with Lance Armstrong, who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs, is well-documented. LeMond has never shied away from condemning Armstrong’s actions, which he believes tarnished the sport and its legacy.
Over the years, LeMond’s criticisms have often been pointed, even personal. He has called Armstrong a “fraud” and “disgrace” to the sport, and their relationship has only grown more acrimonious as time has passed.
Tadej Pogačar, who burst onto the scene with his stunning victory at the 2020 Tour de France at the age of 21, is widely regarded as the next big thing in cycling. His combination of climbing prowess, time-trialing ability, and race intelligence has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest riders in history, including Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault.
However, Pogačar’s meteoric rise has also led to skepticism in some quarters. The shadows of cycling’s doping-tainted past loom large, and some fans and commentators have expressed concerns about whether Pogačar’s performances are too good to be true.
In a recent interview, Greg LeMond once again targeted Lance Armstrong, this time linking him to the current skepticism surrounding Pogačar. LeMond expressed his frustration with what he perceives as Armstrong’s lasting negative impact on the sport, suggesting that Armstrong’s legacy has made it harder for young riders like Pogačar to gain the full trust of fans and the media.
“It’s disgusting,” LeMond reportedly said, referring to the lingering doubts that hang over the sport due to Armstrong’s actions. “Lance did so much damage to cycling. Now, whenever we see a talent like Tadej Pogačar, there’s always this cloud of suspicion. People can’t just appreciate his brilliance because of what Lance and his generation did.”
LeMond went on to criticize Armstrong’s continued involvement in cycling through his podcast and other media appearances. “He’s out there acting like an expert, giving his opinions on the new generation, when he’s the reason we’re all so skeptical in the first place. It’s hypocritical, and it’s hurting the sport.”
While Lance Armstrong has not responded directly to LeMond’s latest comments, he has previously addressed their ongoing feud. Armstrong has acknowledged his past mistakes but has also expressed frustration with what he sees as LeMond’s refusal to move on. In various interviews and on his podcast, Armstrong has maintained that while he regrets his actions, he believes his story is a complex one that includes both successes and failures.
Armstrong has also praised Pogačar on multiple occasions, calling him a “phenomenal talent” and comparing his race instincts to some of the sport’s all-time greats. However, Armstrong has been careful not to draw direct comparisons between Pogačar and his own career, likely aware of the controversy such comparisons could provoke.
Caught in the crossfire of this ongoing feud is Tadej Pogačar himself. While the young Slovenian has not publicly commented on the LeMond-Armstrong rivalry, it’s clear that the scrutiny surrounding his performances is, at least in part, a product of the sport’s troubled history. For Pogačar, who has consistently passed all doping tests and has been open about his training methods, the association with past scandals must be frustrating.
As Pogačar continues to build his legacy, he will inevitably have to navigate the skepticism that surrounds cycling. His focus remains on winning races and solidifying his place among the sport’s legends, but the echoes of the past, as exemplified by the ongoing LeMond-Armstrong feud, will likely continue to reverberate around him.
Greg LeMond’s latest critique of Lance Armstrong, particularly in the context of Tadej Pogačar’s rise, underscores the lasting impact of cycling’s doping era. While LeMond’s concerns about the sport’s integrity are understandable, his continued attacks on Armstrong also risk overshadowing the achievements of a new generation of cyclists who are striving to leave the past behind.
As Tadej Pogačar pedals toward what could be a historic career, the hope among cycling fans is that he will be able to carve out his legacy free from the controversies of the past. But as long as figures like LeMond and Armstrong remain in the public eye, the debate over cycling’s future—and its past—will likely continue.
