Lance Armstrong Reflects on a Legacy of Triumph and Scandal, Declares No Plans for Pro Cycling Return: “I’ve Won It All”

Lance Armstrong Rules Out Pro Cycling Return: “I’ve Won Everything There Is to Win”

Lance Armstrong has officially ruled out any plans for a return to professional cycling, stating that his competitive days are behind him. The former seven-time Tour de France winner, who remains one of the most controversial figures in the sport, says he has accomplished all there is to achieve and has no intention of getting back into the professional circuit.

In a recent interview, Armstrong expressed his contentment with his career and his accomplishments, despite the controversies that have followed him in recent years. “Returning to pro cycling isn’t part of the plan anymore,” Armstrong stated. “I’ve won everything there is to win, and I’m at peace with that.”

Armstrong’s dominance in cycling throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s was unparalleled. His seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999 to 2005 made him a legend in the sport. However, his career was later overshadowed by doping scandals, culminating in his titles being stripped in 2012 after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) concluded that he had used performance-enhancing drugs throughout much of his career.

Since then, Armstrong has largely stepped away from the sport, focusing on other ventures, including podcasting and philanthropy. He has occasionally participated in charity rides and non-competitive events, but he has been clear that a return to professional racing is not on the horizon.

Content with His Achievements

Armstrong acknowledged that while cycling remains a part of his life, his professional ambitions are over. “I’ve achieved everything I set out to do in the sport, and I don’t feel the need to compete at that level again,” he said. Despite the doping revelations, Armstrong’s competitive achievements—coupled with his fight against cancer—cemented his place as a complex figure in sports history.

Armstrong’s focus now seems to be on personal projects and living life beyond the pressures of professional sport. He has emphasized that his love for cycling hasn’t faded, but his competitive drive has evolved into something different. “I’ll always be passionate about cycling, but returning to the pro scene isn’t where my head is at,” he explained.

By ruling out a comeback, Armstrong seems ready to close the chapter on one of the most storied and controversial careers in sports, choosing instead to embrace life beyond the professional cycling world.