In a bold and controversial statement, former cycling champion Lance Armstrong recently claimed that if today’s top riders, including Tadej Pogačar and Julian Alaphilippe, had competed during his generation, he would have been better than them. Armstrong, whose legacy is marred by a doping scandal that led to the stripping of his seven Tour de France titles, made the comments during a podcast interview, reigniting debate about his dominance in the sport.
Armstrong argued that despite the talent of modern cyclists, the level of competition and physical demands during his era were far tougher. “These guys are great, no doubt about it. But if you put them in my generation, with the same equipment and conditions, I don’t think they’d stand a chance,” he said. He singled out riders like Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France champion, and Alaphilippe, a two-time world champion, as remarkable talents but implied that his dominance would still prevail.
The comments sparked a mixed reaction from the cycling community and fans. Supporters of Armstrong argue that his aggressive racing style, combined with the level of competition during his time, makes his claim plausible. Others, however, view his remarks as a way to reclaim lost glory, pointing out that his achievements were overshadowed by his doping admissions.
Pogačar and Alaphilippe have not responded publicly, but Armstrong’s remarks have certainly added fuel to the ongoing debate over who belongs in the pantheon of cycling’s greatest riders. Despite Armstrong’s controversial past, his confidence in his abilities continues to stir conversation in the world of professional cycling.
