Lance Armstrong on Claims the 2025 Tour de France Route Doesn’t Suit Tadej Pogacar: “The Tour…

Lance Armstrong on Claims the 2025 Tour de France Route Doesn’t Suit Tadej Pogacar: “The Tour Typically Crowns the Best Rider.”

In a recent episode of his podcast *The Move*, Lance Armstrong reviewed the 2025 Tour de France route, dismissing the idea that it is unfavorable to Tadej Pogacar. The former cyclist, who initially claimed seven Tour victories before being stripped of them for doping, believes the course isn’t designed to disadvantage Pogacar.

Armstrong, once a US Postal Service rider, noted that each year, people speculate that the Tour’s route may be tailored to prevent a favored rider from winning—a narrative he thinks is unfounded. According to Armstrong, top riders adapt to the course, and typically, the strongest athlete prevails barring any unforeseen circumstances.

“I’ve seen comments saying that the Tour’s organizer, ASO, designed this route to challenge Pogacar,” Armstrong said. “That theory comes up every year, but it’s irrelevant. Whether it’s me or Pogacar, it’s about figuring out how to win, no matter the course. If you’re the best, you prepare and adapt. In almost every case, the best rider wins.”

Although the 2025 route has fewer high-altitude mountain stages compared to recent years, Armstrong sees no disadvantage for Pogacar, who has consistently shown dominance across different terrains this season. Johan Bruyneel, Armstrong’s former sports director and fellow contributor on *The Move*, described the 2025 route as “traditional.”

Bruyneel added, “The big difference in 2025 is the return to a classic style. The first week is easier, and we don’t see a mountain stage until Stage 12, which is like the old days.”

As for whether Jonas Vingegaard or Pogacar would benefit more from the route, Bruyneel emphasized that the strongest rider with the best team wins unless misfortune strikes, saying, “The total elevation is similar to this year’s. I like the design.”

Former teammate George Hincapie also commented on the route’s impact on rider safety. He believes the less intense start will reduce early risks, as riders won’t be pushing as hard in the opening days and will focus on pacing through the entire race.