For his 50th birthday: This is what Lance Armstrong is doing today

Almost two decades after the cycling star, who was later convicted of doping and banned for life, dominated the Tour de France, he is sitting in his small podcast studio and looks like a well-aged rock star: with graying hair slicked up and wearing mirrored sunglasses , fat headphones and a striking wristwatch, the former cycling star talks about his successors. He especially finds the new tour champion Tadej Pogacar “absolutely incredible”.

The American Armstrong, who turns 50 on Saturday, has finally completed the role change. After his doping confession, which significantly increased the sport's image problems, he is no longer tolerated in the international cycling scene. To do this, he created his own stage: the podcast “The Move,” which more than 40 interested people watched on YouTube every day during the tour. His demeanor hasn't changed Armstrong chats with various interlocutors, including his former noble assistant George Hincapie, about current events between the Alps, the Pyrenees and Paris. The demeanor of the then global star has hardly changed: the American sits confidently and relaxed at the desk, usually cool in a T-shirt, but his sense of humor is rather questionable. One day, Armstrong wears a baseball cap with the inscription: “Two-time World War victors” – between these words there is a huge USA flag. “It was the most sophisticated, professional and successful doping program the sport has ever seen.” Doping hunter Travis Tygart Armstrong's seven Tour victories from 1999 to 2005 have long since been erased from the tour's history books because he cheated like no other. EPO, blood doping, growth hormones – Armstrong, who was born in Texas, has set standards, and not just in sport. Even US doping hunter Travis Tygart was flabbergasted: “It was the most sophisticated, professional and successful doping program that sport has ever seen.” Armstrong shows no remorse The German's long-term rival Jan Ullrich later admitted cheating on US talk show legend Oprah Winfrey, but he was not particularly remorseful. “We did what we had to do to win. It wasn't legal, it probably wasn't the best decision, but we wouldn't have won otherwise. I wouldn't do anything differently, I've said that three times, I wouldn't do one thing differently," he once said NBC Sports . The impression of a man addicted to victory who uncompromisingly subordinates everything to success at all costs remains to this day.

He spoke about his big birthday back in June, at least indirectly. “I am 50 years old now. And for 49 years I thought only wimps give up. I will never give up,” Armstrong said in a conversation with American entrepreneur Molly Bloom, also on a podcast. Then he typed “give up” into Google, Armstrong said. “And it didn’t say anything about wimps, but rather that it was about getting to a different level of experience.” Even his successors still have to struggle with his myth Meanwhile, the next generation, currently led by Slovenian Pogacar, is busy brushing aside comparisons with Armstrong. "I do not like that. I don’t see myself as a boss,” said the 22-year-old, whose lead and dominance in 2021 was at times reminiscent of the Armstrong years. Journalists therefore repeatedly confronted Pogacar with questions about doping - he answered in a friendly manner and without paying much attention to Armstrong's name. “I’m not upset or pissed off. They are uncomfortable questions because the history of our sport is very bad. I understand all the questions.”

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For his 50th birthday: This is what Lance Armstrong is doing today

Lance Armstrong celebrates his 50th birthday this Saturday. But what is the convicted doping sinner doing today? In any case, he is hardly recognizable in his new role.

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