Episode 502: Lance Armstrong on VO2 Max, Endurance Genetics, and Why Cycling Beat Running

Nov 14, 2025

Lance Armstrong, a former professional cyclist and cancer survivor with seven Tour de France titles, shares fascinating insights into his athletic journey, from swimming to cycling. He discusses discovering his elite VO2 max and why cycling became his passion over running. Lance reveals the mental toughness needed to overcome a cancer diagnosis and how his mother's influence shaped his never-give-up attitude. He also reflects on his transition from competitive cycling to a new life focused on wellness and family.

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ANECDOTE

From Swimmer To Triathlete To Cyclist

Lance Armstrong started as a serious age-group swimmer and turned pro in triathlon at 15.
He used early race results and a Cooper Clinic VO2 test to realize endurance sports fit his physiology.

INSIGHT

Why Cycling Won Over Running

Armstrong preferred cycling because rides let him cover vast, beautiful terrain with less impact on the body.
He also identified cycling as his strongest discipline within triathlon and shifted focus accordingly.

INSIGHT

The Tour Is Endurance Plus Politics

The Tour de France mixes endurance with constant tactical positioning, crashes, and team politics.
Success depends on reading the peloton's shifting alliances and managing unpredictable risks daily.

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Listen to the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLW8bwsE_zE

How does a kid who started as a swimmer become one of the greatest cyclists of all time? In this Fitness Friday episode, Lance Armstrong joins me to break down his journey from age-group swimming to professional triathlon to the Tour de France.

We also discuss Lance's current training philosophy, why he doesn't push himself like he used to, and the mental toughness required to come back from a 20% chance of survival to win championships. Plus, the surprising influence his single mother had on his never-quit mentality.

Lance Armstrong is a cancer survivor, former professional cyclist, and co-founder of Next Ventures. He won the Tour de France seven consecutive times. Today, he's a successful venture capitalist investing in health and wellness companies and has built a new life focused on family, business, and doing only what brings him joy.

What we discuss:

Transitioning from swimming to triathlon to cycling
Why cycling beat running for Lance
Discovering elite VO2 max at Cooper Clinic
What makes the Tour de France so brutal
How his mother shaped his never-quit mentality

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Find more from Lance Armstrong:

Website: https://www.nextventures.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lancearmstrong/?hl=en

Find more from Jen:

Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/

Instagram: @therealjencohen

Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books

Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements