More from the MOVE: Armstrong say he sees himself in Pogacar and issues warning: “This win won’t help him, and won’t make him any more friends”

 

The seventeenth stage of the Tour de France, won by Richard Carapaz, was not only notable for the Ecuadorian’s victory but also for Tadej Pogacar’s aggressive move against Jonas Vingegaard.

Pogacar’s attack on the Col du Noyer reignited the debate over his strategy and drew sharp criticism from Lance Armstrong.

Armstrong, speaking on his THEMOVE podcast, took a critical stance on Pogacar’s tactics. He expressed his viewpoint with a hint of personal reflection and experience, emphasizing that Pogacar’s decision might have been a mistake. “When I saw

that attack, I immediately thought, I have an opinion about that,” Armstrong said, setting up his critique before delving deeper.

The former cycling champion, known for his controversial career, shared his perspective, “This was not necessary. It’s also a political event because it only brings more tension for him.” Armstrong believes that Pogacar’s relentless pursuit might backfire, suggesting that such aggressive moves could alienate fans and opponents alike.

“This won’t help him, and won’t make him any friends,” Armstrong added. His comments reveal his belief that while Pogacar’s moves are intended to pressure Vingegaard, they may not be strategically wise in the long run.

Armstrong further explained his stance by highlighting the role of perception in cycling. He suggested that Pogacar’s attacks could be seen as unnecessary and could lead to negative repercussions.

“It’s about perception. He should only be focused on winning the Tour,” Armstrong noted. He acknowledges the difficulty in holding back, but warns that continual aggressive strategies might eventually turn people against Pogacar.

Reflecting on his own career, Armstrong cryptically alluded to the long-term effects of such tactics. “We also hurt others uphill, just because we enjoyed it. But at some point, that comes back to you. It took me twenty years to understand that,” he said.

Despite Armstrong’s critique, Pogacar’s attack did succeed in putting Vingegaard under pressure, setting the stage for a dramatic finish with Remco Evenepoel also in contention.

Armstrong anticipates a close battle in the final days, noting, “I think it’s just a preview of what we’ll see in the final days. That time trial suits Remco perfectly, and Vingegaard seemed to struggle.”

As the Tour de France progresses, Pogacar’s strategy will continue to be scrutinized, with Armstrong’s insights adding a layer of complexity to the discussion surrounding the Slovenian rider’s approach.