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The three -time winner of the Tour de France, Greg Lemond, received the Gold Medal of Congress at the United States Capitol on Wednesday morning.
Lemond became the first American to win the event in 1986, only a few years after moving to Europe to pursue his dream of becoming a professional cyclist.
“Honor is more than I expected, and I accept it with deep gratitude and a deep sense of humility …” Lemond said. “Cycling was an unusual sport for a 14 -year -old boy in 1976. In fact, I did not know that sport existed until one day, a bicycle race passed my house. After winning my first race, I obsessed passionately with cycling and, as a American, I believed that if I worked hard enough, anything was possible.”
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Greg Lemond celebrates winning the 1989 Tour of France. (Graham Watson/Getty images)
During his time in Europe, Lemond said people simply called him “the American”, a nickname of which he was “proud.”
“At one point, my parents even suggested to support me. A liberator and a friend.”
Lemond then discussed what a American abroad meant, especially in a sport that had been dominated by Europeans until they arrived.
Greg Lemond is helped by his massage therapist in L’Alpe d’Huez during the 17th stage of the 76th Tour de France on July 19, 1989. (AFP through Getty Images)
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“Being American, especially abroad, has a legacy,” said Lemond. “A legacy of sacrifice, of courage and appear when it matters more. So I feel honored beyond the words to receive this gold medal from Congress. I am here knowing that this honor is not just for mine. It belongs to all the teammates, each supporter, each member of the family and all the Americans whose courage and sacrifice made my life and my possible career. I am proud to be an American of my heart. ” “
The five -time winner Bernard Hinault of France, on the left, congratulates the winner of the Tour de France Greg Lemond in Paris on July 27, 1986. (AP Photo/Pierre Gleizes, Archive)
Lemond suffered a hunting accident in 1987, which made him lose the next two Tour de France after his victory. But he returned in 1989 and took home consecutive titles.
