LeMond and Z Team Mates on the Paris Podium at the 1990 Tour de France.
59 Year Old Greg LeMond is the first American to receive the honor. It was signed by President Trump. He won the Tour de France three times (1986, 1989 and 1990) as well as two World Cycling Championships. Side effects from a hunting accident created health issues that prevented him from winning additional Tours.
The award is reserved for those “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.”
Greg stepping onto the podium in Paris for his 3rd Tour de France yellow jersey win in 1990. He’s greeted by French President Jacques Chirac.
“Throughout his career, Greg repeatedly exemplified the principles of healthy competition, honesty, and selflessness, putting team success ahead of his own,” said Mike Thompson, U.S. representative for California. “In retirement, he’s dedicated his life to serving and supporting children, veterans, medical research and other causes through his charitable work,”
Cheering in Paris
“I keep going, ‘Why me?’” the three-time Tour de France winner told me earlier this week. “I don’t even know what to say,” LeMond said. “It’s humbling to even be considered.”
“I always think that something like this is for people who are saving lives, or inventing cures for new diseases,” he continued. “I’m really honored, but at the same time, I don’t take getting awards really well. I always feel like there’s other deserving people.”
It took two years beginning with Mike Thompson, a California Democrat in Congress who started the process. Thompson is hoping to arrange a ceremony in DC sometime in 2021.
LeMond is currently in Tennessee where he’s working on pedal assisted technology for e-bikes.
