Just In:”The cannibal of modern cycling” – Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel agree Tadej Pogacar had ‘best season in the history of cycling’.

In the world of professional cycling, few names are as synonymous with dominance as Lance Armstrong. The seven-time Tour de France champion, whose career was marred by controversy but whose competitive spirit remains legendary, has been outspoken about the state of modern cycling. Armstrong’s influence on the sport is undeniable, and his opinion often carries weight within cycling circles.

Armstrong, along with his long-time director Johan Bruyneel, who helped guide his career to unprecedented success, have witnessed the rise of many great riders over the years. Yet, in a recent statement that has sent shockwaves through the cycling community, both Armstrong and Bruyneel agreed that Slovenian sensation Tadej Pogačar had achieved something truly exceptional in 2024, declaring that the 25-year-old had the “best season in the history of cycling.”

Pogačar’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular, and the praise heaped on him by Armstrong and Bruyneel highlights just how remarkable his achievements were. To understand why they consider his season historic, it’s important to take a closer look at Pogačar’s dominance this year, the context in which it unfolded, and the legacy he is building in cycling.

A Historic Season

Tadej Pogačar’s 2024 campaign is the stuff of legends. The Slovenian prodigy, riding for UAE Team Emirates, claimed victories across several major races, cementing his status as the best rider in the world. It began with a stunning performance in the UAE Tour, where he triumphed in both the overall classification and a number of individual stages. The stage victories, along with his mastery of the time trials and mountain stages, highlighted Pogačar’s well-rounded skillset and versatility as a rider.

However, it was in the spring classics where Pogačar truly showcased his abilities, winning prestigious events like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Flanders. These are races that traditionally favored experienced riders who had mastered the tactical nuances of one-day events, but Pogačar’s youthful exuberance and sharp instincts on the bike shattered that tradition. His victories in these races weren’t just about raw power—they were also about mental fortitude and the ability to play the race in the final kilometers, outwitting his rivals when it mattered most.

But Pogačar’s crowning achievement came at the Tour de France, the sport’s most grueling and prestigious event. Pogačar’s dominance of the race was undeniable, as he effortlessly controlled the general classification throughout the three-week event. He displayed his exceptional climbing ability, making light work of the brutal Pyrenees and Alps. His time-trialling prowess also set him apart, allowing him to extend his advantage over rivals in disciplines where he was previously considered vulnerable.

At the Tour, Pogačar not only won the overall title but also secured multiple stage victories, underlining his all-around strength. The way he dominated the race, taking the yellow jersey from the opening week and never relinquishing it, was a testament to his superior preparation, race tactics, and unwavering focus. It was clear that Pogačar was not simply the best of the year—he was among the best to have ever competed in the sport.

Armstrong and Bruyneel’s Perspective

Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel have both seen it all when it comes to cycling, having been at the forefront of the sport for over two decades. Their partnership led to one of the most successful periods in Tour de France history, and their knowledge of the sport is vast. Armstrong’s career, though controversial, remains a blueprint for success in cycling, while Bruyneel’s expertise as a director sportif played a pivotal role in managing and guiding riders to success.

In their assessment of Pogačar’s season, Armstrong and Bruyneel have drawn comparisons between the Slovenian’s performances and the best that the sport has seen. Armstrong, who dominated the Tour de France during his career, was full of praise for Pogačar, saying, “What he’s done this year is something that we’ve never seen before. It’s not just the victories—it’s the way he’s raced. He’s been dominant in every race he’s entered, and the depth of his ability is unparalleled.”