1982-85: The Apprenticeship

As a new professional, Greg Lemond was quick on the uptake, scoring a string of wins, including
the 1982 Tour de l'Avenir, where he blew away the opposition in such convincing manner. It was
clear to those with an interest in up-and-coming talent that this was no ordinary rookie. It wasn't long
before Lemond was to fulfill one of his boyhood dreams and win the 1983 world championship road race
by riding the rest of the field from his wheel. He won the event on his own with no-one else in left in sight.
This was a taste of things to come from the young star and it looked like he would go from strength to
strength as the 1984 saw his first participation in the Tour de France. Although riding very much as
number two to Renault team leader Laurent Fignon, Greg put in an incredible performance as a first-
timer, continually showing in the big mountain stages as well as the "race of truth". Indeed, so impressive
was his performance that he won the "best young rider" competition, wearing the white jersey for the
last six stages of the race.

Throughout the entire event, he was right on the tail of Bernard Hinault, now riding for the new
La Vie Claire team, shadowing him in most of the major stages, with neither rider being able to stay
on terms with a flying Fignon. It has to be said that Hinault was not on his best form, having returned to the
professional circuit after a layoff of several months following his knee operation. Even so, the great rider
battled courageously against the odds to claim second place on the podium with Lemond just over
a minute further back in third place. This was truly was a magnificent performance for such a young rider
competing in his first Tour de France and gave the world an idea of things to come from the young American. continued...

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The Bernard Hinault Archive 2003