In a stunning and emotional revelation that has shaken the cycling world, Lance Armstrong took to social media to deliver a heartfelt tribute to two of the sport’s greatest legends—Eddy Merckx and Patrick Sercu. The seven-time Tour de France winner (later stripped of titles) stepped back from controversy for a moment of sincerity, and the internet couldn’t look away.
“I’m feeling so little in between these two legends,” Armstrong wrote, referring to Merckx, known as “The Cannibal,” and Sercu, hailed as “The Emperor of the Track.” The confession has gone viral across social platforms, with thousands of fans and fellow athletes reacting to the raw honesty of a man who once ruled the sport.
Armstrong’s post, which quickly racked up hundreds of thousands of likes and shares, continued with praise for the two icons who shaped his career. “They both were my childhood heroes, became my coaches and mentors, and I’m proud to also call them my great friends,” he wrote. It was a rare glimpse into the emotional depth of a figure often known more for his battles off the bike than on it.
The statement comes at a time when Armstrong has been slowly rebuilding his public image, years after the doping scandal that rocked professional cycling. This tribute, free of ego or controversy, struck a chord with fans who still admire his impact on the sport, complicated as it may be.
Eddy Merckx, a five-time Tour de France winner and perhaps the most revered name in cycling history, responded with humility to Armstrong’s post. “Lance was always a fighter,” Merckx said in a brief statement. “But today, he showed a different kind of strength—the strength to honor others.”
Patrick Sercu, the late Belgian cyclist who dominated the velodrome with a record number of Six-Day race victories, was remembered fondly in Armstrong’s message. Many fans noted that the tribute serves as a reminder of the old-school greatness that shaped modern cycling.
The post has sparked a wave of nostalgia across the cycling community, with fans sharing their own memories of Merckx and Sercu. Former pros chimed in with stories, with one calling the statement “a masterclass in gratitude.”
Experts say Armstrong’s emotional appeal could mark a turning point in how he’s perceived publicly. “It’s hard not to be moved by it,” said cycling analyst Rob Hatch. “We’re seeing a side of Lance that’s rarely been visible—vulnerable, respectful, and human.”
For a man who once embodied dominance, it was surprising to see Armstrong willingly take a back seat. “Two amazing champions, but above all, two very good persons,” he concluded. In those words, Armstrong reminded the world that even the most powerful athletes have their idols—and their moments of humility.
As the post continues to spread, fans and followers are left with a striking image: not of a disgraced champion or a defiant competitor, but of a man, quietly reflecting on the greatness of those who came before him.