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The triple winner of the Tour de France, Greg Lemond, received the Congress gold medal on Wednesday morning at the American Capitol.
Lemond became the first American to win the event in 1986, just a few years after having moved to Europe to continue his dream of becoming a professional cyclist.
“Honor is more than what I expected, and I accept it with a deep gratitude and a deep sense of humility …”, said Lemond. “The bicycle was an unusual sport for a 14 -year -old child in 1976. In fact, I did not know that sport existed up to one day, a bicycle race spent my house. After winning my first race, I became passionately obsessed with cycling and as a American, I thought that if I worked enough, something was possible.”
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Greg Lemond celebrates the victory of the Tour de France in 1989. (Graham Watson / Getty Images)
During his stay in Europe, Lemond said that people simply called him “the American”, a nickname which he was “proud”.
“At one point, my parents even suggested that I look at it.” Wear a cowboy hat and boots, “they told me. Liberator and a friend.”
Lemond then discussed what it meant to be an American abroad, especially in a sport that had been dominated by Europeans until his arrival.
Greg Lemond was helped by his massage therapist at the Alpe d’Huez during the 17th stage of the 76th Tour de France on July 19, 1989. (AFP via Getty Images)
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“Being an American, especially abroad, has a heritage,” said Lemond. “A heritage of sacrifice, courage and to present myself when it is important. So I am honored beyond the words of receiving this gold medal from the congress. I am here knowing that this honor is not alone. It belongs to each teammate, to each supporter, to each member of the family, and to all the Americans whose courage and sacrifice have rendered my life and my career.”
The five -time winner Bernard Hinault, from France, on the left, congratulated the winner of the Tour de France Greg Lemond in Paris on July 27, 1986. (AP photo / stone gleizes, file)
Lemond underwent a hunting accident in 1987, making him miss the next two Tour de France after his victory. But he returned in 1989 and won consecutive securities.
