"He can become as big as Lance Armstrong used to be": Ben Healy has no doubts about Tadej Pogacar's greatness

For six editions in a row, Tadej Pogacar has not finished worse than second at the Tour de France, winning four. This July, he can join Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain and Bernard Hinault at five triumphs which would only underline his status as a cycling superstar. And Ben Healy reckons his reputation may have already overgrown to other spheres...

Speaking to Wieler Revue, the Irishman compares Pogacar to cycling's last king from early 2000s - Lance Armstrong - before his star faded and his name has been erased from cycling's records. And Healy believes that Pogacar's star shines just as bright as Armstrong's back then. However there is one disadvantage - Slovenia has over hundred times lower population, slowing Pogacar's boom.

"Is he transcending the sport? The comparison is difficult because of what Lance has done, but I think that, just like Lance, he is going to transcend the sport, yes. He has the personality for it. Although there is one difference: his nationality might limit him somewhat. If he had been an American, that would have been easier."

"But then again, when you see how he dominates the Tour de France and how he presents himself in the media, I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes as big as Lance used to be."

It seems to be in nature of Pogacar to occasionally remind his opponents that he's not one but three classes above everyone else by delivering a monster solo, such as that from the opening stage at Tour de Suisse. Healy loves such style of racing, but he admits it may not be everyone's cup of tea.

"For the pure cycling enthusiast, the races are sometimes duller, but I am certain that Tadej generates more attention for the sport. Thanks to him, cycling is becoming bigger and gaining more prestige. Hopefully, with my attacking style of racing, I can ensure that the races become more exciting and, consequently, more attractive."

Beyond his breakaway efforts, Ben Healy is also one of the world's best Classics riders. But with Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel at the start, he can only hope for as much as a podium result. And in that sense, he's quite profficient with third places from Liege-Bastogne-Liege and World Championships last year.

But as Healy is only two years younger than the Slovenian, he can't hope to become his successor, just like many other great riders (including Evenepoel).

The question then is at hand, how long will it be until Pogacar grows tired of always winning? "After my third place in Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2025, I jokingly asked him when he would retire. Some people asked me for his answer, but it wasn't anything serious. It was mainly meant as a joke, of course," Healy concludes.

Healy himself, just like much of the EF Education-EasyPost, is not enjoying a great 2026 thus far. The Irish rider kicked off the year with an okay 12th place at Strde Bianche and 8th overall at Tirreno-Adriatico, but has since been dealing with consequences of his crash during Itzulia Basque Country time trial recon.

In addition, an illness has taken him out of Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes - his return race. Therefore, Healy's shape ahead of Tour de France remains mostly unknown, although the team seems to be in no panic regarding Healy's nomination.

Normally, the two-time Irish road (and one-time ITT) champion would appear at national championships this weekend, but maybe his team will opt for an extra training block after a complicated preparation.