Greg LeMond is Americas only recognized Tour de France winner yet his three Tour victories tell only part of his story. LeMond changed cycling more than any other rider in the history of the sport.

LeMond was a talented all-rounder with a reputation as one of the canniest racers of his generation. As adept at racing on the cobbles of the spring classics as he was on the mountains of the grand tours LeMond rode a full racing season from spring to autumn. His never-say-die spirit also bagged him two World Championship titles and a hatful of podiums at the worlds toughest bike races.

He was admired by his peers and respected by his rivals. Yet Greg LeMonds influence on cycling extended off the bike as well. He was the first cyclist to command a $1 million salary raising the stakes for all other teams and riders and pushing the Tour organization to reach more spectators through expanded TV coverage. LeMond was the first cyclist to focus almost exclusively on winning the Tour de France and the World Championship knowing they were most valuable to his fans and sponsors. His superstar talent and charisma broke cycling into the mainstream media with multiple turns as Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Year. Greg LeMond raised cycling from its provincial roots into a professional sport with global reach.

But LeMond??s story took a tragic turn in 1987: While out hunting?? he w