Lance Armstrong remains a divisive figure in the world of cycling, often making headlines for his outspoken opinions. Recently, Armstrong criticized young cycling sensation Tadej Pogačar for his ambitious approach in Grand Tours, particularly for attempting to win almost every stage. This criticism has now provoked a fierce response from Jérôme Pineau, a former rider for Armstrong’s US Postal team and a vocal critic of the American cyclist.
In a pointed critique, Pineau did not hold back in his assessment of Armstrong’s comments. “I understand the arguments of ‘it’s a competition,’ but you’re also talking about a political campaign. You shouldn’t give others a reason to hate you. I repeat: you shouldn’t give others a reason to hate you, or dislike you, or doubt you,” Pineau remarked, referencing Armstrong’s own controversial past and suggesting that Pogačar’s competitive spirit should not be stifled by such criticisms.
The history of animosity between Pineau and Armstrong is well-documented. Pineau has previously labeled Armstrong as the greatest criminal in cycling history, a sentiment he reiterated during a recent podcast on RMC Sport. In his latest tirade, Pineau took his rebuttal to another level, likening Armstrong’s advice to something utterly absurd and inappropriate. “It’s like Marc Dutroux giving advice on parenting,” the analyst sneered, highlighting the depth of his disdain for Armstrong’s opinions.
Pineau’s disrespect for Armstrong’s advice stems from Armstrong’s notorious past, which includes not only the theft of seven Tour de France titles but also the widespread deception of millions of fans and cancer sufferers. Armstrong, who was once celebrated for his inspirational battle against cancer and his charity work through the Livestrong foundation, later admitted to extensive use of banned substances, undermining his achievements and tarnishing his legacy.
“He stole seven editions of the Tour de France and lied to millions of people who were suffering from cancer,” Pineau continued, addressing Armstrong’s dual role as a cancer survivor and a cycling fraud. Pineau emphasized the betrayal felt by many who once saw Armstrong as a hero. “He was anything but humble; he was the epitome of arrogance. He has nothing to say and should keep his mouth shut. These are the advice of a man who did exactly the opposite.”
Pineau’s scathing remarks underscore the deep-seated resentment that still lingers within the cycling community towards Armstrong. Despite Armstrong’s efforts to remain relevant in the sport through commentary and opinion pieces, his past actions continue to overshadow his contributions. Pineau’s attack serves as a stark reminder of the complex legacy Armstrong has left behind, one that is marked by both his battle against cancer and his role in one of the biggest doping scandals in sports history.
As Pogačar continues to carve out his own path in the cycling world, the young Slovenian rider is likely to focus on his performance rather than the criticisms of a disgraced former champion. Pineau’s fierce defense of Pogačar’s ambition and his condemnation of Armstrong’s hypocrisy reflect a broader sentiment in the cycling world: a desire to move past the scandals of the past and celebrate the genuine achievements of the present.
