Greg LeMond

Greg LeMond, born on June 26, 1961, is a celebrated American former road racing cyclist renowned for his remarkable achievements in the sport. He made history by becoming the first American male to win the prestigious Tour de France, clinching the title three times and also securing the Road Race World Championship twice. His journey in professional cycling began in 1981, and by 1983, he had already made his mark as the first American male cyclist to win the Road World Championship.

LeMond's career took a dramatic turn in 1987 when he was accidentally shot while hunting, resulting in serious injuries that required two surgeries and forced him to miss two consecutive Tours. However, his resilience shone through as he made an extraordinary comeback at the 1989 Tour de France, winning in a nail-biting finish on the final stage. He successfully defended his title the following year, solidifying his place as one of only nine riders to have won three or more Tours.

After retiring from competitive cycling in December 1994, LeMond was inducted into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame in 1996. He was a pioneer in the sport, being the first professional cyclist to sign a million-dollar contract and the first to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. Beyond cycling, he has been an advocate for technological advancements in the sport, promoting innovations such as aerodynamic handlebars and carbon fiber frames through his company, LeMond Bicycles.

In addition to his cycling legacy, LeMond has ventured into various business interests, including restaurants, real estate, and consumer fitness equipment. He is also a staunch opponent of performance-enhancing drugs in cycling and serves as a founding board member of 1in6, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting male victims of child sex abuse.