In the world of professional cycling, few names carry as much weight as Lance Armstrong. The seven-time Tour de France champion, once regarded as the most dominant cyclist of his generation, has lived a life filled with both triumph and scandal. But despite the controversies that led to his fall from grace, Armstrong remains an iconic figure in the sport, a man who shaped cycling in ways few others have.
Now, in the 2025 season, Armstrong is once again making headlines—not for a potential return to the race circuit, but for his candid thoughts on the current face of cycling: Tadej Pogacar. The Slovenian prodigy has become an undeniable force in the sport, collecting major victories and cementing his place as the dominant rider in professional cycling. His performance in the 2025 season has sparked both admiration and rivalry, as many, including Armstrong, are beginning to view him as the future of the sport.
Armstrong, with his wealth of experience and unparalleled insight into the mind of a champion, recently shared his perspective on Pogacar’s rise and the young rider’s continued dominance in the cycling world. In an exclusive interview, Armstrong opened up about his thoughts on Pogacar’s potential, the challenges the Slovenian faces, and what this means for the future of the sport. Here, we delve deeper into Armstrong’s views on Pogacar’s legacy, his own experiences in cycling, and the broader implications for the sport in 2025 and beyond.
Tadej Pogacar: Cycling’s Unstoppable Force
Tadej Pogacar’s dominance in cycling has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 25 years old, the Slovenian has already established himself as one of the best to ever compete in the sport. His victories in the 2020 and 2021 Tour de France, his triumphs in the Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and his consistent top performances in numerous other World Tour events have made him the most feared rider in the peloton.
In 2025, Pogacar’s form has only strengthened, making him an even more formidable force. His ability to excel in time trials, climb effortlessly on the toughest mountain stages, and maintain an ironclad consistency across multi-stage races has earned him the title of the “face of modern cycling.” His confidence, combined with his extraordinary physical and mental toughness, has led many to believe that he is on his way to rewriting the history books.
Yet despite his age, Pogacar is far from invincible. The 2025 season has seen challenges that have exposed his vulnerabilities. Rivals like Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic have pushed him to the edge in key races, and the occasional blip in his form has raised questions about his ability to maintain such a dominant streak in a sport where upsets are always around the corner. That’s where Armstrong’s perspective comes in—analyzing the nuances of Pogacar’s supremacy from a historical viewpoint, one informed by years of experience at the top of the sport.
Armstrong’s Perspective on Pogacar’s Dominance
As someone who ruled the sport during his prime, Armstrong understands the pressures that come with being the sport’s top rider. In his conversation about Pogacar’s dominance, Armstrong was measured, respectful, but also reflective. His thoughts, carefully considered, offer a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of the young Slovenian.
“Pogacar is in a unique position,” Armstrong began in his interview. “The guy has everything—a complete rider with extraordinary climbing abilities, time trial skills, and race smarts. You can tell he’s got that same fire in his belly that all the greats do. What impresses me the most is how he handles the pressure. You don’t win the Tour de France twice and dominate like he has without having an incredible ability to perform when the stakes are highest.”
Armstrong, however, also acknowledged the challenges that come with being the sport’s dominant figure. “There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect champion,’” he continued. “You can have all the talent in the world, but when you’re the target, every race is a battle. And Pogacar has been at the top for a while now. There are a lot of eyes on him, and that creates a unique kind of pressure. I can see the younger riders starting to learn from him, and there’s a real chance that we could see the next wave of riders trying to dethrone him. That’s what makes cycling so fascinating—it’s a game of attrition. It’s not just about talent, but about handling the wear and tear of competing at the highest level for years.”
Armstrong also commented on the tactics Pogacar uses during his races. “Tadej is extremely smart. He knows when to go for the kill and when to conserve energy. He has that ability to play the long game, something you don’t see in a lot of younger riders. And that’s what separates him from the rest. He’s always thinking two or three steps ahead.”
Yet Armstrong also warned that the very consistency that has made Pogacar so successful could eventually lead to his downfall. “The sport is so unpredictable,” Armstrong explained. “I’ve seen it firsthand. Riders peak and then fade, and new contenders emerge when you least expect it. The moment you think you’re untouchable is often the moment you become vulnerable. Pogacar is at a point now where he’s been at the top for a few years, and while that’s remarkable, it also means he’ll have to work even harder to stay there. That’s where the challenge lies.”
The Impact of Pogacar’s Reign on Cycling
Pogacar’s rise to the top has sparked a renewed interest in cycling, with fans and sponsors flocking to the sport as never before. His dynamic performances, combined with his youthful charm and relatable demeanor, have earned him legions of fans around the world. The 2025 season, in particular, has seen Pogacar take on even greater challenges, competing in a wide range of events beyond the Tour de France, including the one-day classics and Grand Tours.
However, Armstrong’s view is that Pogacar’s dominance could potentially change the landscape of cycling, both for better and for worse. “The sport needs rivalries to thrive,” Armstrong remarked. “The best eras in cycling have always been defined by intense rivalries. Look at my time with Jan Ullrich or Alberto Contador, or more recently with riders like Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins. Those rivalries brought a level of intensity that pushed everyone to be better. Pogacar is incredibly talented, but the sport needs that next wave of challengers to really drive things forward.”
Armstrong pointed out that while Pogacar’s dominance is undeniably impressive, it is also crucial for the sport’s future that new talents emerge to challenge him. “If Pogacar is to continue to succeed, he needs competition. He needs guys who will push him to his limits. That’s the only way for him to improve and for the sport to evolve. We’re already seeing a few riders—Vingegaard, for example—who can challenge him, and that’s what keeps things interesting. Without that, we risk entering an era where one rider dominates for too long and the excitement fades.”
Armstrong’s Legacy and the Future of Cycling
Lance Armstrong’s legacy is as complicated as it is legendary. After his meteoric rise and subsequent fall from grace due to his involvement in doping scandals, Armstrong’s reputation within the sport has remained divisive. However, his contributions to cycling—both as a rider and as a mentor to younger cyclists—cannot be denied. His return to the sport, even as an observer, still carries significant weight.
In 2025, Armstrong’s voice holds tremendous influence. His reflections on Pogacar’s dominance are shaped not only by his own experience as a champion but also by the challenges and tribulations he faced during his career. “I understand what it takes to be at the top,” Armstrong said. “I know the sacrifices, the pressure, the toll it takes on your body and your mind. But I also know that it’s what makes the journey worthwhile. The sport needs a champion who can take on the challenges and keep pushing boundaries. That’s what Tadej has the potential to do.”
The Future of Cycling in Pogacar’s Hands?
As the 2025 season progresses, the conversation around Tadej Pogacar’s dominance is sure to continue. With Armstrong’s reflections adding depth to the discussion, it’s clear that while Pogacar may be at the top now, the road ahead remains filled with challenges—both from within and outside the sport.
The cycling world is watching closely as Pogacar strives to carve his own legacy, one that could see him transcend Armstrong’s own record-breaking reign. But as Armstrong wisely noted, the true test of a champion lies not in their victories, but in their ability to overcome adversity and stay at the top for the long haul.
For now, the cycling world waits in anticipation, as the next chapter in the ongoing rivalry between past legends and future icons unfolds before our very eyes.