Lance Armstrong compares Marlen Reusser to Miguel Indurain and explains what makes Mont Ventoux different

Lance Armstrong has shared his thoughts on the spectacular fifth stage of the Tour de France Femmes on his THEMOVE podcast. Demi Vollering of FDJ-SUEZ won the stage ahead of Kasia Niewiadoma of Canyon//SRAM and Movistar’s yellow jersey Marlen Reusser.

Armstrong had already been sceptical about Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s performance in the time trial, and he felt the following stage supported his assessment. “The difference between Pauline in 2026 and Pauline in 2025 is enormous. In terms of the percentage she is losing, something is simply wrong, whether that is because of injuries, poor preparation or recovery,” the American said.

“Beforehand, we talked about the ‘Big Three’, but she looked uncomfortable on the bike right from the start. It was a sad day for them,” Armstrong said. On the other hand, he was impressed by Vollering. “She looks very good, and those bonus seconds at the finish matter too. She managed to take another two seconds back there.”

Reusser has also impressed the American. “When I look at her, she reminds me so much of one rider — and it is not a female rider, but a male rider. She reminds me so much of Miguel Indurain.”

“She does not say much, she does not get out of the saddle, and she has that steady, cool, metronomic style. She does not panic. She can time trial and she can climb. She is not going to launch an immediate attack or make incredibly dynamic moves, but she does not need to,” he observed.

“She looks at what happened earlier in the season. She looks at Paula Blasi, who won the Vuelta. She knows the numbers and thinks: ‘Wait a minute, I might as well ride for the general classification,’” Armstrong suggested. “Do not underestimate how much motivation that can give a rider. She has already finished second in both the Vuelta and the Giro, and she won the Tour de Suisse this year.”

The battle is expected to reach boiling point on Mont Ventoux. “It is in everybody’s mind. It is the hardest climb in the country. Even when it is not scorching hot, it is still like an oven. And there are no hairpin bends, which normally give you that tiny moment of recovery because they flatten out slightly. Ventoux is one straight road going upwards. There is no mercy.”