Lance Armstrong recently weighed in on the debate surrounding the 2025 Tour de France route, which some have argued may not favor Tadej Pogacar’s strengths. The route has raised questions due to its design, which includes a variety of stages that could challenge Pogacar’s dominance, especially given his prowess in the mountains and time trials. However, Armstrong, a seven-time Tour de France winner, dismissed concerns that the course might not suit Pogacar.
In his response, Armstrong highlighted a simple truth that has held in cycling for decades: “It’s the Tour, and 99 times out of 100 the best one wins.” This statement underscores Armstrong’s belief that, regardless of the course layout, the strongest rider in terms of overall ability, consistency, and strategy will inevitably rise to the top. The Tour de France is notorious for its grueling and unpredictable nature, with climbers, sprinters, and time trial specialists all facing unique challenges. Yet, historically, the rider who has proven the most versatile and resilient tends to come out victorious.
Pogacar, despite his incredible ability, faces fierce competition from the likes of Jonas Vingegaard and other top-tier riders. Armstrong’s comment suggests that while the 2025 course may present challenges for Pogacar, it’s not the design of the route that ultimately determines the winner—it’s the rider’s skill and fortitude over the course of three weeks. The Tour de France is an event that punishes riders who are unprepared or unable to adapt, and Armstrong’s remark suggests that, in the end, the best rider—whoever that may be—will triumph, regardless of course specifics.
In summary, while critics may claim that the 2025 Tour route isn’t ideal for Pogacar, Armstrong believes the race’s history speaks for itself. The best rider almost always comes out on top, and the course is just one of many factors in determining who that will be.
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