Greg LeMond

Greg LeMond is a three-time Tour de France champion and two-time Road Race World Champion, recognized for his significant impact on professional cycling. LeMond became the first non-European professional cyclist to win the men's Tour de France and was the first professional cyclist to sign a million-dollar contract. He also appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, marking a milestone for American cycling.

LeMond's ascent in the world of cycling was rapid. His VO2 Max of 92.5 is among the highest recorded in the sport. Known as a complete rider, LeMond excelled in climbing, time trials, sprinting, and descending. He was named Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sportsman of the Year," the first cyclist to receive this honor. Throughout his career, LeMond advocated for technological advancements in cycling, such as the introduction of aerodynamic handlebars and carbon fiber bicycle frames, which he later marketed through LeMond Bicycles.

LeMond's resilience was demonstrated by his comeback following a near-fatal hunting accident. After being shot and undergoing emergency surgery, he returned to win the Tour de France in dramatic fashion, overcoming a significant deficit on the final stage to secure victory by the smallest margin in the event's history. This achievement is widely regarded as one of the most notable comebacks in sports history.

Off the bike, LeMond has been active as an advocate and entrepreneur. He has been an outspoken critic of performance-enhancing drugs and was an early skeptic of cyclists Lance Armstrong and Floyd Landis, both of whom were later stripped of their Tour de France titles. As a result, LeMond remains the only American to have officially won the Tour de France. He has also spoken publicly about surviving childhood sexual abuse and is a founding board member of the nonprofit organization 1in6.org, which supports men who have experienced unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood. The documentary "The Last Rider" chronicles LeMond's life and career.

LeMond's contributions to cycling and advocacy have been recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal, making him the first cyclist to receive this honor. The White House acknowledged his service as an athlete, activist, role model, and community leader. A biopic based on LeMond's life has also been announced, reflecting the enduring significance of his story in the cycling and sports communities.