Lance Armstrong, the former American cycling champion, has shocked the cycling world with his fiery reaction to the latest UCI World Rankings. Known for his outspoken opinions, Armstrong did not hold back, claiming that the ranking system is deeply flawed and biased. His comments have sparked widespread debate and left fans questioning the fairness and credibility of the UCI rankings.
In his latest statement, Armstrong expressed his frustration, insisting that Mathieu van der Poel, one of the most versatile riders in the sport, deserved to be in the top position. According to Armstrong, Van der Poel’s exceptional talent and consistent performances across various disciplines should have earned him the coveted number-one spot. “Van der Poel is the best all-around rider out there, and yet he’s not at the top. It’s a joke,” Armstrong declared.
The UCI rankings have long been a topic of discussion among cycling fans and experts, but Armstrong’s outspoken criticism has raised new questions about their validity. He argued that the ranking system fails to properly account for the different types of races riders participate in, which he believes puts riders like Van der Poel at a disadvantage. “The system doesn’t reflect the true abilities of riders who excel in different conditions,” he added.
According to Armstrong, Tadej Pogačar, currently sitting at the top of the rankings, should have been placed second. Armstrong acknowledged Pogačar’s immense talent but believes Van der Poel’s versatility gives him an edge. “Pogačar is great, no doubt, but Van der Poel has more to offer across the board. He’s proven himself time and time again in both the classics and the grand tours,” Armstrong explained.
Following Pogačar in Armstrong’s ideal ranking would be Wout van Aert, another rider renowned for his all-around capabilities. Armstrong praised Van Aert’s performance, particularly his ability to shine in both time trials and his domination in one-day races. “Van Aert is one of the few riders who can take on both the big stage races and the classics with equal success,” Armstrong said.
Remco Evenepoel, currently in the top five of the UCI rankings, would follow Van Aert in Armstrong’s revised list. Despite Evenepoel’s recent successes, including his triumphs in the Vuelta a España, Armstrong believes the Belgian still needs to prove his consistency at the top level. “Evenepoel is definitely a talent, but I’m not convinced he deserves to be ranked higher than riders who have been more consistent in the big races,” Armstrong stated.
Finally, Armstrong placed Matteo Jorgenson, an American cyclist with a promising future, in the fifth spot. Jorgenson has shown significant growth in recent years, and Armstrong believes his ranking should reflect his potential. “Jorgenson is an up-and-coming rider. He’s been putting in the work, and I think he has the potential to crack the top ranks in the near future,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong’s comments have sent shockwaves through the cycling community, with many questioning the UCI’s ranking system. Critics argue that the rankings are often swayed by a rider’s performance in major tours like the Tour de France, while other races, which might highlight different skills, are given less weight. “The system is too focused on a few big races. It doesn’t tell the full story of who the best rider is,” Armstrong emphasized.
Despite the controversy, Armstrong’s remarks have sparked important discussions about how cycling’s top talent should be evaluated. Many fans have taken to social media to voice their opinions, with some agreeing with Armstrong’s take on Van der Poel and others defending Pogačar’s spot at the top. The debate has ignited fresh conversations about what it truly means to be the world’s best cyclist.