🚨 “IT’S ALL A LIE”: ROLF JARMANN’S EXPLOSIVE CLAIMS SHAKE THE FOUNDATIONS OF TOUR DE FRANCE HISTORY AND TARGET TADEJ POGAČAR
In one of the most controversial statements cycling has witnessed in recent memory, former Tour de France competitor Rolf Jarmann has launched a verbal grenade that’s already exploding across the cycling world. In a fiery and unfiltered interview, Jarmann claimed that the golden age of cycling between 1992 and 1999 was nothing more than “a dark period of EPO-fueled illusion,” implicating legendary names like Miguel Induráin and casting a heavy cloud over today’s champions—most notably Tadej Pogačar.
Jarmann, who rode through the doping-shadowed era of the 1990s, didn’t hold back. “People want heroes, not truth. But I lived through it. I saw the injections. I saw the cover-ups. It was all a lie,” he said, his tone raw with frustration and disillusionment. While the cycling community has long accepted that the ’90s were a turbulent time, few expected such a blunt and personal attack to resurface in 2025.
What truly shocked fans was Jarmann’s direct targeting of Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar, the modern-day face of cycling dominance. “How can we trust any of these victories?” Jarmann questioned. “We thought Induráin was untouchable too. And look where that belief got us. Pogačar might be the next illusion.” The statement quickly went viral, drawing outrage from Pogačar’s fanbase and a firm but measured response from the UAE Team Emirates camp, who labeled the claims as “reckless, unfounded, and deeply disrespectful.”
Social media, of course, erupted. Hashtags like #ProtectPogacar, #CyclingTruth, and #RolfTheReckless began trending within hours. While some fans appreciated Jarmann’s honesty and willingness to confront a dirty history, many condemned his decision to single out Pogačar—especially without presenting any concrete evidence.
Jarmann insists he has nothing personal against Pogačar. “It’s not about him, it’s about the system. A system that still rewards silence and protects reputations until it’s too late.” Yet many saw his statements as dangerously timed, considering Pogačar just wrapped up another Tour de France triumph and is preparing for the Vuelta a España and the Giro di Lombardia.
The tension escalated further when former teammates of Induráin entered the conversation. One retired Spanish pro, who requested anonymity, fired back: “Rolf was never close to our level. This sounds like bitterness disguised as truth.” Meanwhile, critics accuse Jarmann of chasing headlines and trying to stay relevant by piggybacking on modern success stories.
This controversy comes at a time when cycling is still healing from past wounds, still trying to rebuild trust, still trying to believe in a clean and competitive sport. While anti-doping measures today are vastly improved, Jarmann’s claims re-open old scars and challenge the credibility of a generation that’s trying hard to move forward.
Whether his words are those of a whistleblower or a bitter ex-pro remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Rolf Jarmann has ignited a firestorm, and the flames are far from dying out. The cycling world now watches closely—not just to defend or attack—but to ask uncomfortable questions about the sport’s past, present, and future.
