Greg LeMond: Yellow Jersey Racer

Andrews, Guy

ISBN 10: 193771568X / ISBN 13: 9781937715687

Published by Velopress, 2016

A copy that has been read, remains in good condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. The spine and cover show signs of wear. Pages can include notes and highlighting and show signs of wear, and the copy can include "From the library of" labels or previous owner inscriptions. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation, if you're not satisfied with purchase please return item! Ships via media mail. Seller Inventory # OTV.193771568X.G

Synopsis:

Greg LeMond is America’s 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 world’s toughest bike races.

He was admired by his peers and respected by his rivals. Yet Greg LeMond’s 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 was accidentally shot and lost so much blood that his life hung in the balance. His eventual recovery was as miraculous as what happened next: he came back to the world of bicycle racing to claim victory in the Tour de France in the closest finish in the history of the race.

Greg LeMond: Yellow Jersey Racer documents LeMond’s legendary career year by year. LeMond’s early promise as a young rider of limitless talent, his raw battle to take victory in the 1986 Tour, his unbelievable comeback from near death, the resurgence of his career as he faced a new generation of supercharged EPO athletes—this celebration of LeMond covers it all with incisive writing, intimate interviews with teammates and rivals, and illuminating photographs. Key moments in LeMond’s career are documented with spectacular photography including the iconic pictures you remember and new images not seen outside LeMond’s personal circles. Many of the famous protagonists in LeMond’s world – rivals, teammates, and friends – contribute extensive interviews, speaking candidly about his incredible career and his continuing legacy in the sport of cycling.

Greg LeMond is known best for winning the Tour de France in amazing fashion, but Greg LeMond: Yellow Jersey Racer celebrates the entire fascinating career of the rider known as “the American”.

Includes extensive contributions from LeMond and interviews with Jeff Bradley, Kent Gordis, Phil Anderson, Sean Kelly, Ron Kiefel, Stephen Roche, Robert Millar, Shelley Verses, Andy Hampsten, Johan Lammerts, Ronan Pensec, Otto Jacome, and Chris Boardman.

About the Authors: Guy Andrews is the founder and former editor of the cycling magazine Rouleur. He is now a columnist and contributor to several cycling magazines including Bicycling and The Ride. He is also the author of several books on cycling, including The Custom Road Bike, Bike Mechanic: Tales From the Road and the Workshop, and Magnum Cycling.

Greg LeMond was the first and only American Tour de France winner, but that is only half of the story. Throughout most of his career, LeMond tried to ride a full racing season from spring to autumn--equally at home on the cobbles of the spring classics as he was on the high mountains of the grand tours.

LeMond's incredible never-say-die racing spirit was legendary and would bring him three Tour de France wins, two World Championship gold medals, and a hatful of podiums at the world's toughest races.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Greg LeMond: Yellow Jersey Racer
Publisher: Velopress
Publication Date: 2016
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: good