|
|
Article: Lemond dedication is finally paying off
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- July 27, 1986
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright (null) Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
|
PARIS Little by little, American cyclist Greg Lemond has gained
grudging respect from the French.
Once there were smug comments in the media that he lacked the
character to be a winner. He was called the "American Poulidor," a
reference to French rider Raymond Poulidor, who showed great promise
a generation ago but failed to win.
Lemond, who was born in Lakewood, Calif., 25 years ago and grew
up in Nevada, changed all that when he bested French champion Bernard
Hinault in the mountains during the current 2,540-mile Tour de
France.
Barring a disaster in the closing stages, Lemond today will
become the first American to win the world's greatest cycling race in
its 83-year history when ...