“He’d give me a beating, he’s the best ever” - Lance Armstrong praises Tadej Pogacar after another Tour de France 2026 win
CyclingMonday, 27 July 2026 at 10:46
Tadej Pogacar’s fifth victory at the Tour de France 2026 continues to spark reactions across the cycling world. One of the most striking came from Lance Armstrong, who did not hesitate to place the Slovenian above every other legend of the sport, himself included.
Lance Armstrong praises Tadej Pogacar
In the latest episode of his podcast THE MOVE, the American said that, for him, there is no longer any debate about who is the greatest cyclist of all time.
Pogacar has matched this year’s five Tour de France wins of Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain, but Armstrong believes his dominance goes far beyond the tally of titles.
“This guy is the best of all time. I don’t even have to go that far back. He can simply do everything.”
The American highlighted the extraordinary versatility of the UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader, capable of winning on virtually any terrain.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a flat stage, if there are cobbles, if we’re racing in the high mountains or on the white roads of Strade Bianche. He doesn’t care about the time of year either. He just wants to race.”
Armstrong added that this ability to perform throughout the calendar is what, in his view, makes Pogacar a unique rider.
“He is, quite simply, the best of all time. It’s not always entertaining to watch, especially in a three-week race, but that’s a fact.”
Tadej Pogacar wins the Tour de France 2026
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The former American pro also responded to the usual comparisons between the two, acknowledging that the Slovenian would be above the best level he reached during his career.
“Sometimes people compare my career to his and ask where I’d stack up against him. It doesn’t matter. This guy would beat the crap out of Lance Armstrong. I’m serious.”
For Armstrong, Pogacar not only rules cycling, but he also considers him the most dominant athlete in the world right now.
“For me, he is the most dominant athlete in the world.”
The American was also convinced that Pogacar will not ease off after conquering his fifth Tour de France and believes he will keep expanding his palmarès.
However the American continues to argue he holds the record - the seven victories have been stripped away from him - and that this will influence the Slovenian's mindset.
“He knows what the real record is. He’ll keep going. And I hope he gets it. I don’t mind either way. I’m an athlete. You play, and records get broken from time to time. They’re there to be broken.”
At just 27, Pogacar has already matched the five-Tour mark achieved by the sport’s greatest legends. If he maintains this level over the next seasons, the Slovenian will have the chance to become the rider with the most victories in the Grande Boucle, a target that, according to Lance Armstrong, looks increasingly within reach.
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- Totally agree about the route change - even if the pure sprinters never win in Paris again.Crashjames27-07-2026
- Surprising comment from LA - still don’t think tadej will eclipse Eddy for total accomplishments as a cyclistCrashjames27-07-2026
- Last year, the Montmarte finale was highly controversial, recieving pressure from GC riders, who said "don't let this jeopardise our Tours" (chiefly Jonas Vingegaard of course) and sprinters, who said "don't let this take away our big opportunity". While the latter part did not cause the GC neutralisation, it added to the pressure. After the magnificent finale it gave, criticism was reduced but one season on that was still not enough for the GC to run to the end. After yesterday's race, very few riders will criticise it. Of the sprinters, only Tim Merlier would dislike it. And the GC riders have got used to it. Next year, it may not be so. And with 2:18 over Seixas, del Toro was certainly breathing s sigh of relief
Rafionain-Glas27-07-2026 - Apparently the course was constantly being strewn with broken glass, nails etc, faster than the sweepers could clear it. And then IDT did get a puncture!Hills3327-07-2026
- I am also capable of winning so long as no professional riders start, or to be honest, any other riders at all. Useless statement to make. He demonstrably hasn't proven he's capable of winning because he hasn't won. Who writes this nonsense?wrsty27-07-2026
- Tot siens tot volgende jaar ou boet. Remember to breathe and keep the rubber side down.
Andrew27-07-2026 - Quote :mus-musculuspeedypogigonzales 26 July 2026 at 21:30 + 238 Let me repeat Bruyneels words: "Thijs Zonneveld, you are an idiot." That's all I've got to say !!!”Andrew27-07-2026
- Some are only happy if it’s Pog helping out a team mate other than that it is verboten. I doubt Philipsen would have caught VDP but hard to say with certainty.Andrew27-07-2026
- How stupid to stop the time at 41km. Idt must be heaving a sigh of relief in his white jersey. They should have let the clock run right till the end.Andrew27-07-2026
- So you are quite good at dishing it our but not so good at taking it. Vasbyt Skatlam, verstaan jy vir my jou verlepte ou doos. 😘😘Andrew27-07-2026
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