Pogačar vs. Armstrong: Why the Slovenian Won't Chase a Stripped Record He Never Needed

Armstrong also stated on the podcast: "He's going to win this Tour, isn't he? His fifth. And after the finish, we're all going to hear — including ourselves — that Tadej Pogačar has tied the all-time record for Tour victories and joined that exclusive club of five. Well, guess what? He doesn't believe that."

Complicating factor: Armstrong has simultaneously called Pogačar "the greatest of all time, by far" on the same podcast, creating a mixed message of praise and provocation .

Pogačar's Response: 'I Don't Go for Records'

Pogačar refused to engage. His response was direct:

• "I don't go for records. I don't race for records" — he told reporters when asked about Armstrong's comments .
• He declined to compare himself to Armstrong or debate the validity of the stripped titles, saying the history of the sport is not his concern .
• He characterized his motivation as racing for passion and for his team, not to chase any specific numerical milestone .

As he told The Guardian after Stage 13: "I got this question in the morning. I can't say anything. I don't go for records, I just want to finish this Tour with yellow in Paris. This is the main focus."

Pogačar's Actual Standing in the 2026 Tour de France

As of 18 July 2026 (after Stage 13), here are the key facts :

• Age: 27 years old.
• Stage wins: Multiple stage wins in the 2026 Tour, including a commanding first-week performance that effectively eliminated his rivals.
• Overall lead: More than three minutes on general classification.
• Fifth victory imminent: Barring a crash or illness, he is on course to win his fifth Tour de France, tying the official record of five victories shared by Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Induráin . No rider has won more than five in the official record books .
• Armstrong's stripped titles: Armstrong's seven titles were stripped by the UCI and USADA following his doping confession. They are not counted in the official record .

Bottom line: Pogačar is refusing to play Armstrong's game, saying he doesn't race for records, while simultaneously cruising toward a fifth Tour win that puts him into a tie for the most official victories in history.