Laurent Fignon

Laurent Fignon during Tour de France 1984

Laurent-Fignon-Giro-1989

Jersey yellow

Jersey yellow

Jersey white

MaillotFra

Laurent Fignon (12 August 1960 – 31 August 2010) was a renowned French professional road cyclist whose career highlights include winning the Tour de France in 1983 and 1984. Fignon was known for his tactical intelligence in racing, his ability to excel in both mountain stages and time trials, and his distinctive long blond ponytail and eyeglasses.

Early Life and Career

Born in Paris, Fignon started his cycling career in the early 1980s. He quickly rose through the ranks, showing promise as a versatile rider capable of performing well in various types of races. His breakthrough came in 1983 when, at the age of 22, he won the Tour de France, one of cycling's most prestigious events. The following year, he confirmed his status as one of the leading cyclists in the world by defending his title.

Career Highlights

Fignon's career was marked by his victories in the Tour de France in 1983 and 1984. In addition to his Tour de France victories, Fignon also won the Giro d'Italia in 1989, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level in multiple Grand Tours. He was known for his rivalry with American cyclist Greg LeMond, which reached its peak during the 1989 Tour de France. In what remains one of the closest and most dramatic finishes in the Tour's history, Fignon lost the overall lead to LeMond on the final stage, a time trial, by a mere eight seconds, the smallest margin ever in the Tour de France.

Later Career and Retirement

Despite his early successes, Fignon's career in the late 1980s and early 1990s was hampered by injuries and illness. However, he remained competitive, achieving notable results, including a second place in the 1989 Tour de France. After retiring from professional cycling in 1993, Fignon remained involved in the sport, working as a race organizer and television commentator.

Death and Legacy

Laurent Fignon died on 31 August 2010, after a battle with cancer. He is remembered as one of France's greatest cyclists, not only for his victories and competitive spirit but also for his contributions to the sport after his retirement. Fignon's autobiography, "We Were Young and Carefree," published shortly before his death, provides insight into his career and the professional cycling world during his era.

See Also

• Tour de France
• Giro d'Italia
• Greg LeMond