Patrick Lefevere: “Pogi will never be like Lance Armstrong, even if he won so many championships”
The world of cycling is often the scene of comparisons between the great figures of the past and contemporary champions. As Tadej Pogačar continues to impress the cycling world with his spectacular performances, it is not uncommon for observers to draw parallels between him and other legends of the sport. Recently, Patrick Lefevere, iconic director of the Soudal Quick-Step team and a key figure in professional cycling, said that, despite his victories and undeniable talent, “Pogi will never be like Lance Armstrong, even though he has won so many championships.” A statement loaded with meaning, given the stature of both athletes and the very different realities surrounding their respective careers.
Tadej Pogačar: a modern cycling prodigy
Tadej Pogačar, nicknamed “Pogi,” has become one of the most remarkable cyclists of his generation in just a few years. With two consecutive Tour de France victories in 2020 and 2021, as well as a multitude of victories in prestigious classics such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Lombardy, the Slovenian has quickly etched his name among the greats. At just 25 years old, Pogačar has already amassed a track record that most cyclists would dream of having over an entire career.
His ability to shine on all terrains – be it high mountain stages, time trials or one-day races – makes him almost unbeatable. In addition to his incredible versatility, Pogačar is also a humble athlete, appreciated for his laid-back attitude and sportsmanship. But despite this meteoric rise, some voices believe that he cannot be compared to controversial figures like Lance Armstrong.
Lance Armstrong: a legend tainted by doping
Lance Armstrong, a seven-time Tour de France winner (1999-2005 before his victories were stripped), is arguably one of the most controversial figures in the history of sport. His career, marked by a heroic battle with cancer and his triumphant return to the world of cycling, made him a global icon. However, Armstrong was implicated in one of the biggest doping scandals of all time, leading to his spectacular fall and the cancellation of his titles.
Armstrong’s name is now synonymous with cheating in the collective imagination. His downfall tarnished not only his own legacy but the credibility of cycling as a whole at a time when anti-doping was not as rigorously enforced as it is today. His admissions in 2013, during a famous interview with Oprah Winfrey, permanently tarnished his career, highlighting the extent of the systematic cheating that characterized his years of dominance.
Patrick Lefevere: a key figure in modern cycling
Patrick Lefevere is not only a world-renowned team manager, but also one of the greatest strategists in cycling history. Leading several teams that have made history in the sport, he has helped shape the careers of many champions, from Tom Boonen to Julian Alaphilippe. Lefevere is known for his outspokenness, his often strong opinions and his ability to analyze with insight the evolution of cycling over the decades.
In his recent statement about Pogačar, Lefevere did not just want to criticize the young Slovenian, but rather to highlight the fundamental differences between cycling today and that of Armstrong’s time. Lefevere is well placed to understand these dynamics, having witnessed several generations of cyclists and the evolution of practices, both in terms of technology and anti-doping regulations.
Radically different contexts
What Patrick Lefevere implicitly underlines in his statement is that the context in which Tadej Pogačar operates is radically different from that of Lance Armstrong. Professional cycling has made considerable progress in the fight against doping since the days of the 1990s and 2000s, when doping practices were omnipresent and many riders felt obliged to cheat to remain competitive.
Today, cycling is much more closely monitored, with more frequent and sophisticated doping controls. Agencies such as the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have stepped up their efforts to ensure the integrity of the sport. While no system is perfect, modern cycling is distinguished by increased rigor in preventing and detecting cheating, which makes Pogačar’s achievements even more impressive. His performances are regularly checked, and there is, so far, no reason to suspect that he is resorting to illicit methods to maintain his competitiveness.
Moreover, Armstrong’s journey was intertwined with a culture of secrecy and deception within his team, US Postal, where doping was almost institutionalized. Such practices are much harder to implement in modern cycling, where transparency and oversight have become the norm.
A different ethic: Pogačar, the humble champion
The other big difference between Pogačar and Armstrong, and what Lefevere seems to want to emphasize, is the racing ethic. Armstrong, even before the revelation of his doping practices, had often been criticized for his ruthless attitude, his arrogance and his will to win at all costs, sometimes to the detriment of his teammates or rivals. His dominance was not only physical, but also psychological, creating an atmosphere of fear and control around him.
Pogačar, on the other hand, is seen as a humble champion, appreciated for his simplicity and respect for his competitors. He embodies a new generation of cyclists who, while being ultra-competitive, prioritize sportsmanship and respect for others. In an interview, Pogačar had said: “I like competition, but what motivates me is the passion for cycling, the pleasure of riding, and surpassing myself, not the desire to dominate others.”
This attitude contrasts sharply with that of Armstrong, who has often been accused of using his position of strength to crush the competition, both sportingly and personally.
Future prospects for Pogačar
Despite Lefevere’s statements, it is clear that Pogačar is on the path to becoming one of cycling’s greatest legends. With his young age and incredible performances, it is very likely that he will continue to rack up victories in the years to come. But the question of whether he can match or surpass Armstrong in terms of his record is less important than the legacy he will leave on the sport.
Unlike Armstrong, whose name is now associated with cheating, Pogačar has the opportunity to build a legacy based on respect, integrity and love of the sport. His success, achieved in a more rigorous and transparent environment, will likely be seen as a reflection of an athlete who was able to push the limits of his body and mind without resorting to unfair means.
Two opposing destinies
Ultimately, Patrick Lefevere’s statement on Pogačar and Armstrong is not intended to belittle the young Slovenian’s achievements. On the contrary, it highlights the profound changes that have transformed cycling between Armstrong’s and Pogačar’s eras. While Armstrong will forever remain a controversial figure, marked by his annulled victories and doping confessions, Pogačar embodies a new era for cycling, where talent, ethics and transparency take precedence over cheating.
So, even if Pogačar will never be like Armstrong – and that’s a good thing – he has the chance to leave a much more noble and lasting legacy in the world of cycling. A legacy based on respect, passion and sporting merit, values that, beyond titles and victories, are what truly make a champion.
