Andrew Hampsten Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Andrew Hampsten

Hampsten at the 1993 Tour de France

Personal information

Full name

Shirus Andrew Hampsten

Nickname

Ernie

Born

April 7, 1962 (age 63)
Columbus, Ohio, U.S.

Team information

Current team

Retired

Discipline

Road

Role

Rider

Rider type

All-rounder

Major wins

Grand Tours

Tour de France

Young rider classification (1986)

1 individual stage (1992)

Giro d'Italia

General classification (1988)

Mountain classification (1988)

Combination classification (1988)

3 individual stages (1985, 1988)

Stage races

Tour de Suisse (1986, 1987)

Tour de Romandie (1992)

Andrew "Andy" Hampsten (born April 7, 1962) is a famous American former professional road bicycle racer. He is best known for winning the 1988 Giro d'Italia, which is one of the biggest cycling races in the world. He also won an important stage at Alpe d'Huez during the 1992 Tour de France.

From 1986 to 1994, Andy often finished in the top 10 of eight "Grand Tours." Grand Tours are the three most important multi-day bicycle races: the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia, and the Vuelta a España.

Andy Hampsten's Racing Career
Life After Racing
Career Achievements
- Grand Tour Results Timeline
See also

Andy Hampsten's Racing Career

Andy Hampsten first became well-known in 1985. He won a stage in the Giro d'Italia, which is a major race in Italy. The next year, he joined the famous La Vie Claire team. This team was led by the cycling legend Bernard Hinault.

Early Success and the Tour de France

In 1986, his first full year as a professional cyclist, Andy won the Tour de Suisse. This is another big stage race, held in Switzerland. He also helped his teammate, Greg LeMond, win the Tour de France. Andy finished fourth overall in that Tour de France. He also won the white jersey, which is given to the best young rider in the race.

Andy won the 1987 Tour de Suisse again, this time for the 7-Eleven Cycling Team. He beat other strong riders to take the win.

Winning the Giro d'Italia

Andy's biggest achievement happened in the 1988 Giro d'Italia. There was a very tough stage over the Gavia Pass mountain. A severe snowstorm hit during the race. Andy attacked on the climb, riding through the terrible weather. He took the lead in the race and earned the Maglia Rosa, which is the pink jersey worn by the overall leader.

The conditions on the Gavia Pass were some of the worst ever seen in cycling. Many riders had to quit the race. Some even needed medical help because they were so cold. But Andy kept going. He held onto his lead for the rest of the race. He became the first American to win the Giro d'Italia. He was also only the second American to win any cycling Grand Tour.

Later Career Highlights

In the 1989 Giro d'Italia, Andy continued to ride very well. He finished third overall, showing he was one of the best riders. He also rode strongly in the 1990 Tour de France.

Andy's last big moment came in the 1992 Tour de France. He won a stage that finished on the famous climb of Alpe d'Huez. He rode away from other riders to take the victory. He finished fourth overall in that Tour de France.

Life After Racing

After retiring from professional cycling, Andy Hampsten lived in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The city even named its 40-mile bikeway system the "Andy Hampsten Bikeway System."

Today, Andy lives in Tuscany, Italy, and Boulder, Colorado, in the U.S. In 1999, he and his brother Steve started a company called Hampsten Cycles. They make bicycles. Andy also runs a company called Cinghiale Cycling Tours. This company organizes bicycle tours in Italy.