OFFICIAL NEWS: Lance Armstrong Watched in Amazement at Mathieu van der Poel: “Did You See His Face at….
Lance Armstrong has seen it all—grueling climbs, breathtaking descents, and historic breakaways. But even the seven-time Tour de France champion (titles later stripped) found himself in awe as he watched Mathieu van der Poel deliver yet another iconic performance on the road. The American cycling legend couldn’t hide his excitement during a recent podcast episode, his voice rising with emotion as he replayed the critical moment.
“Did you see his face at that moment?” Armstrong asked, practically leaning into the mic. “He was on the limit—and then he just went. It was like watching a volcano erupt in real time.”
The moment in question came during the recent Monument classic, where van der Poel—already a dominant force in the peloton—launched a decisive attack that left seasoned veterans gasping for breath. With less than 15 kilometers to go and on a brutal incline, van der Poel surged ahead with a ferocity that reminded many of legends past. Armstrong, who has always been a keen analyst of race tactics and physical effort, said van der Poel’s expression told the entire story.
“You could see the pain, the doubt, and then, suddenly, this switch,” Armstrong explained. “His face went from suffering to this kind of controlled aggression. That’s something you don’t teach. That’s instinct. That’s what greatness looks like.”
Armstrong, known for his own era of dominance (controversial as it may be), rarely doles out superlatives without hesitation. But his admiration for van der Poel seems genuine. “Mathieu is not just powerful; he’s fearless,” he added. “He takes risks others wouldn’t even consider. That’s why he creates these unforgettable moments.”
The Dutchman’s performance adds another layer to his growing legacy—world champion, multiple Monument winner, and cyclocross phenom. But what seems to fascinate observers like Armstrong is van der Poel’s ability to blend raw athleticism with split-second tactical brilliance.
“You can train wattage, you can train endurance,” Armstrong continued, “but what van der Poel does in these moments—those instincts, those attacks that defy logic—that’s what makes a rider special. I’ve only seen a few in my life who could do that.”
When asked if van der Poel reminds him of anyone from his own era, Armstrong paused. “Honestly, he’s unique. Maybe a little like [Tom] Boonen in his raw power, maybe [Fabian] Cancellara in the way he controls the race. But Mathieu has this versatility and fearlessness that’s all his own.”
For a rider to leave a legend like Lance Armstrong almost speechless speaks volumes. As cycling continues to witness a golden generation of talent—from Tadej Pogačar to Remco Evenepoel—Mathieu van der Poel’s name is often near the top of that list. And if Armstrong’s reaction is any indication, fans and analysts alike are watching the rise of a rider who might define this era.
“Just rewind that moment,” Armstrong urged listeners. “Look at his face. That’s not just racing. That’s art.”
