Greg LeMond facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Greg LeMond

LeMond in 2024
Personal information
Full name	Gregory James LeMond
Nickname	L'Americain (The American) LeMonster
Born	(1961-06-26) June 26, 1961 (age 64) Lakewood, California, U.S.
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight	67 kg (148 lb; 10 st 8 lb)
Team information
Current team	Retired
Discipline	Road
Role	Rider
Rider type	All-rounder
Major wins
Grand Tours Tour de France General classification (1986, 1989, 1990) Young rider classification (1984) Combination classification (1985, 1986) 5 individual stages (1985, 1986, 1989) 2 TTT stages (1984, 1985) Giro d'Italia 1 individual stage (1986) Stage races Tour de l'Avenir (1982) Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré (1983) One-day races and Classics World Road Race Championships (1983, 1989) Other Super Prestige Pernod International (1983)

Gregory James LeMond (born June 26, 1961) is a famous American former road racing cyclist. He made history by winning the Tour de France three times. He also won the Road Race World Championship twice. He is the only American man to ever win the Tour de France.

LeMond started his professional cycling journey in 1981. Just two years later, he became the first American male cyclist to win the Road World Championship. In 1986, he won the Tour de France, becoming the first non-European professional to win the men's Tour. In 1987, LeMond was seriously injured in a hunting accident. He missed the next two Tours while recovering.

At the 1989 Tour, LeMond made an amazing comeback. He won the race in a very exciting way on the final stage. He won the Tour again the next year, in 1990. This made him one of only nine riders to win three or more Tours. LeMond stopped competing in December 1994. He was honored in the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame in 1996. He was also the first professional cyclist to sign a contract worth a million dollars. He was the first cyclist to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.

During his career, LeMond helped bring new technology to cycling. This included special aerodynamic handlebars and carbon fiber bicycle frames. He later sold these through his company, LeMond Bicycles. LeMond also had other businesses like restaurants and fitness equipment. He has always spoken out against athletes using performance-enhancing drugs in cycling. He is also a founding board member of 1in6, a charity that helps male victims of childhood abuse.

Early Life and Cycling Start

Greg LeMond was born on June 26, 1961, in Lakewood, California. He grew up in the Washoe Valley in Nevada. This area was ranch country, perfect for outdoor activities. Greg loved hiking, hunting, skiing, and fishing as a boy. He felt that these activities helped him focus. He later realized he had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Cycling helped him a lot with this.

Greg went to Earl Wooster High School in Reno. He often rode his bike to school. His journey included riding over Mt. Rose.

How Greg Discovered Cycling

Greg started cycling in 1975. A famous skier named Wayne Wong suggested it. He said cycling was great for off-season training. Greg began competing the next year. He won his first 11 races in the Intermediate category (ages 13–15). Because he was so good, he was allowed to race against older Junior competitors (ages 16–19).

In 1977, at age 15, Greg finished second in the Tour of Fresno. He raced against John Howard, who was then the top U.S. road cyclist. Greg caught the eye of Eddie Borysewicz, the US Cycling Federation's national team coach. Eddie called Greg "a diamond, a clear diamond."

Junior World Champion

LeMond represented the United States at the 1978 Junior World Championships. He finished ninth in the road race. In 1979, at the Junior World Championships in Argentina, he won gold, silver, and bronze medals. His biggest win was in the road race.

At 18, LeMond was chosen for the 1980 U.S. Olympic cycling team. He was the youngest ever to make the team. However, the U.S. decided to boycott the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. This meant Greg could not compete there.

Greg joined the U.S. National cycling team for a European racing trip in 1980. He finished third in the Circuit des Ardennes. Then he won the Circuit de la Sarthe stage race in France. This made him the first American and youngest rider to win a major pro-am event in Europe. This victory got him noticed by Cyrille Guimard, a team director for Renault. Guimard offered Greg a professional contract for 1981. Greg signed with Renault in Paris.

Professional Cycling Career

Greg LeMond was a very talented amateur rider. He quickly became one of the best professional cyclists. Many experts called him fuoriclasse, which means "in a class of his own."

Early Professional Success (1981–1983)

LeMond's first professional win came in 1981. He won a stage of the French Tour de l'Oise. He then won the Coors Classic in the United States. A big step for him was finishing third in the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. He was helping his team leader, Bernard Hinault, in that race. Greg won five races in his first year as a pro.

In 1982, LeMond broke his collarbone. This injury affected his racing schedule. He still competed in the World Championships in England. He finished second in the men's road race. He was the first American pro to win a medal at the World Championships since 1912.

Two weeks later, in September 1982, LeMond won the Tour de l'Avenir. This was a tough 12-day race in the mountains. He won by a record 10 minutes and 18 seconds. This huge win showed everyone in Europe that LeMond was truly special.

In 1983, LeMond won the Road World Championship in Switzerland. He became the first American male cyclist to win this title. Greg's skills, like his strength, climbing ability, and fast time trials, made him a great fit for big races like the Grand Tours.

Grand Tour Challenges (1984–1986)

LeMond rode his first Tour de France in 1984. He finished third, supporting his team leader Laurent Fignon. He also won the white jersey for the best young rider. The next year, 1985, he joined the La Vie Claire team. His job was to help Bernard Hinault win his fifth Tour.

LeMond's combination classification jersey from the 1985 Tour de France

During the 1985 Tour, Hinault had a crash and struggled. It became clear that LeMond was strong enough to win the Tour himself. On a tough mountain stage, LeMond was told by his team not to attack. He was frustrated because he felt he could have gained time. Hinault won the 1985 Tour, with LeMond finishing second. LeMond had helped Hinault win. In return, Hinault promised to help LeMond win the Tour the next year.

LeMond (right) with Bernard Hinault at the 1985 Coors Classic

In the World Championships road race, LeMond finished second. He helped his American teammates, but in the end, a 38-year-old rider named Joop Zoetemelk made a surprise attack and won. LeMond took the silver medal.

For the 1986 Tour, LeMond and Hinault were co-leaders of the La Vie Claire team. Hinault seemed less sure about helping LeMond. He wanted to see who was stronger. Hinault attacked early in the race and gained a big lead. He said he was trying to make other rivals tired, but these attacks were not planned with LeMond.

On Stage 13, LeMond gained back a lot of time on Hinault. On Stage 17, LeMond took the yellow jersey as race leader. This was the first time an American wore it. The next day, LeMond and Hinault rode together up the famous Alpe d'Huez. LeMond let Hinault win the stage as a sign of unity. But the team had many disagreements. LeMond kept the yellow jersey and won his first Tour. He felt betrayed by Hinault and the team. LeMond later said the 1986 Tour was the hardest race of his career.

LeMond (left) in the 1986 Coors Classic

Hunting Accident and Recovery (1987–1988)

LeMond planned to defend his Tour title in 1987. But he broke his left wrist in a spring race. While recovering, he went turkey hunting in California. He was accidentally shot by his brother-in-law. About 60 pellets hit his back and right side. His injuries were very serious. He lost a lot of blood and almost died.

He had emergency surgery that saved his life. Four months later, he needed another surgery for a problem caused by the shooting. He missed the Tour de France in both 1987 and 1988. He tried to return to racing in 1988, but he had more health issues. He also found out about doping on his team, PDM. This led him to join a new team, ADR, in Belgium.

Amazing Comeback (1989)

LeMond in 1989 at the Tour de Trump

After struggling in early 1989, LeMond thought about retiring. He started the 1989 Giro d'Italia to prepare for the Tour. He surprised everyone by finishing second in a time trial there. This showed he was getting stronger.

LeMond starts the final time trial of the 1989 Tour de France

When the 1989 Tour de France began, no one expected LeMond to win. He hoped to finish in the top 20. But he rode very well from the start. He won a time trial on Stage 5 and took the yellow jersey. He lost the lead to his old rival, Laurent Fignon, on Stage 10. Then LeMond got it back on Stage 15. The lead went back and forth. Fignon had a 50-second lead over LeMond before the final stage.

The last stage was a 24.5 km individual time trial in Paris. It seemed impossible for LeMond to make up 50 seconds. But LeMond had used a wind tunnel to improve his riding position. He used special aerodynamic handlebars and a helmet. Fignon did not use these. LeMond rode incredibly fast. He beat Fignon by only eight seconds to win his second Tour de France! This was the closest finish in Tour history.

The press called it "the most astonishing victory in Tour de France history." LeMond said it felt "much more satisfying" than his first win.

LeMond's amazing year continued. On August 27, he won the World Championships road race in France. He was only the fifth person in history to win both the Tour de France and the World Championship in the same year. In December, Sports Illustrated named LeMond its 1989 "Sportsman of the Year." He was the first cyclist to receive this honor.

Third Tour Victory (1990)

LeMond leading the 1990 Tour de France

After his 1989 success, LeMond signed a huge $5.5 million contract with the French team "Z." This was the richest contract in cycling history at the time. He entered the 1990 Tour de France as the defending champion. His team was very strong.

A teammate, Ronan Pensec, surprisingly held the yellow jersey for many days. LeMond could not challenge for the lead until his teammate lost it. LeMond finally took the yellow jersey from Claudio Chiappucci on the final individual time trial. He won the 1990 Tour without winning any individual stages. LeMond is the last rider to win the Tour while wearing the world champion jersey. His 1990 win made him one of only eight cyclists to win three or more Tours.

Later Career and Retirement (1991–1994)

LeMond felt confident before the 1991 Tour de France. He was the defending champion. He even wore the yellow jersey for a few days. But he struggled in the mountains and finished seventh overall.

In 1992, LeMond won the Tour DuPont. This was his last major win. He also had a strong finish in Paris–Roubaix. He never won any of cycling's 'Monument' races, but he had high finishes in several of them.

In the 1992 Tour de France, LeMond started well but then lost a lot of time in the mountains. He had to leave the race. He tried to train hard, but his performance did not improve. He had to leave the 1993 Giro d'Italia and could not enter the 1993 Tour de France.

LeMond started the 1994 Tour de France but had to abandon after the first week. In December, he announced his retirement. He later said that the increasing use of doping in cycling made it hard for him to compete. He felt that something had changed in the sport. He was inducted into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame in 1996.

Business Ventures

LeMond riding on a carbon fiber bicycle in the 1991 Tour de France

LeMond was a leader in using carbon fiber bicycle frames. His 1986 Tour de France win was the first for a carbon-framed bike. He also won his 1989 and 1990 Tours on carbon fiber frames. These bikes had "Greg LeMond" on them.

LeMond Bicycles

In 1990, LeMond started LeMond Bicycles. He wanted to make bikes for himself and for others to buy. In 1995, he partnered with Trek Bicycle Corporation. Trek would make and sell bikes designed by LeMond under his brand. This partnership lasted 13 years.

However, LeMond and Trek had disagreements. LeMond spoke out against doping in cycling. He was concerned about the relationship between a doping doctor and Trek's star athlete, Lance Armstrong. Trek pressured LeMond to apologize. LeMond later said Armstrong tried to hurt his relationship with Trek. In 2008, Trek stopped making LeMond Bicycles. After a legal dispute, LeMond got full control of his brand name in 2010.

Other Businesses

In 2002, LeMond helped start LeMond Fitness, Inc. This company makes bicycle trainers and exercise bikes. LeMond is the chairman of the board. He also partnered with the French company Time to make and sell bicycles.

LeMond also invested in real estate. He joined partners to invest in the Yellowstone Club, a private ski and golf community in Montana. He later settled a lawsuit related to this investment.

In 1990, LeMond opened a restaurant called Scott Kee's Tour de France. He also partnered in several Bruegger's bagel bakery–café franchises.

In 2016, LeMond founded LeMond Composites. This company makes carbon fiber materials. In 2017, he moved his family to Tennessee to be near the manufacturing facility.

Broadcasting and Personal Life

In 2014, LeMond joined Eurosport as a cycling expert. He provided analysis for races like the Tour de France until 2017.

LeMond at Carrefour de l'Arbre, near Roubaix, in 2015

LeMond is married to Kathy Morris. They have three children: Geoffrey, Scott, and Simone. They lived in Minnesota for many years before moving to Tennessee. Since retiring, LeMond has supported charities. He is a founding board member of 1in6.org, which helps men who have experienced childhood abuse.

LeMond loves the outdoors and fly fishing. In 1991, he set a world record for catching a four-pound smallmouth bass while fly fishing. He often took his fishing gear to bike events.

After cycling, LeMond competed in Formula Ford 2000 auto racing. He also works as a motivational speaker. In 2008, he narrated a documentary for Adventures for the Cure.

In 2007, LeMond rode a cycling event called L'Étape du Tour. He said it was a great experience. He also spoke out more about doping in cycling. He became a witness in a doping case.

On January 30, 2013, LeMond was in a car accident. He suffered a concussion and a back injury. He made a full recovery.

On September 19, 2019, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill to give LeMond the Congressional Gold Medal. This award recognizes his service as an athlete, activist, and role model. The bill was approved by Congress in November 2020 and signed by President Donald Trump in December. LeMond received the medal on July 9, 2025.

In June 2022, LeMond was diagnosed with non-life-threatening leukemia.

Career Achievements

Major Results

Grand Tour Results

Grand Tour	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994
Vuelta a España	DNF	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Giro d'Italia	—	—	3	4	—	DNF	39	105	DNF	—	DNF	—
Tour de France	—	3	2	1	—	—	1	1	7	DNF	—	DNF

Classic Race Results

Monument	1981	1982	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994
Milan–San Remo	—	17	30	—	—	2	—	—	—	—	—	22	—	140
Tour of Flanders	—	—	—	15	7	11	—	30	63	—	—	—	25	—
Paris–Roubaix	—	—	—	—	4	30	—	—	—	—	55	9	—	—
Liège–Bastogne–Liège	—	—	78	3	17	14	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Giro di Lombardia	—	—	2	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
World Championships	1981	1982	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994
UCI World Championships	47	2	1	27	2	7	—	—	1	4	DNF	—	—	—

Awards

• Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year: 1989
• Jesse Owens International Trophy: 1991
• Korbel Lifetime Achievement Award: 1992

Images for kids

• 

  Former Tour champions Greg LeMond (fourth from left) and Laurent Fignon (center) climb with the "autobus" to Sestriere on Stage 13 of the 1991 Giro d'Italia

• 

  LeMond (left) at the 2010 Interbike trade show

See also

In Spanish: Greg LeMond para niños