Lance Armstrong is still known for his strong opinions about cycling. Recently, he criticized Tadej Pogačar for wanting to win almost every stage in Grand Tours. There has now been a response to this criticism. Jérôme Pineau has launched a scathing attack on Armstrong, using some quite harsh examples.
"I understand the arguments of 'it's a competition, but you're also talking about a political campaign. You shouldn't give others a reason to hate you. I repeat: you shouldn't give others a reason to hate you, or dislike you, or doubt you..." Pineau, a former US Postal rider, said some time ago regarding Pogačar’s pursuit of stage wins in the Tour de France.
Pineau and Armstrong have clashed before. The Frenchman previously called Armstrong the greatest criminal in cycling history. Pineau had a word of rebuttal regarding Armstrong giving advice to Pogačar. In a podcast on RMC Sport, Pineau went even further. "It’s like Marc Dutroux giving advice on parenting," the analyst sneered.
"He stole seven editions of the Tour de France and lied to millions of people who were suffering from cancer," Pineau continued about Armstrong’s past, who spent years supporting cancer patients through his Livestrong foundation. However, the American later admitted to using banned substances, despite knowing the risks to his health.
These issues, along with Armstrong’s large-scale doping schemes, are why Pineau refuses to take his former colleague seriously. "He was anything but humble; he was the epitome of arrogance. He has nothing to say and should keep his mouth shut. These are the advice of a man who did exactly the opposite."