On this day in 1986: Greg LeMond becomes first American winner of the Tour de France

American cyclists have been at the forefront of the cycling world, especially the Tour de France over the last few decades. It was on this day all the way back in 1986 though, that Greg LeMond claimed the first Maillot Jaune for the United States.

After a fierce battle with his La Vie Claire teammate Bernard Hinault, in one of the most iconic and historic editions of the Tour de France, LeMond's victory was assured on the 26th of July 1986. It was stage 22 of 23 in that year, with Guido Bontempi taking victory ahead of Frank Hoste. Notably in fourth on the stage was Adrie van der Poel, father of modern-day superstar, Mathieu van der Poel.

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In the final standings, LeMond's victory at the 1986 Tour de France was decisive, 3:10 ahead of Hinault, and 10:54 ahead of Urs Zimmerman in third. The American took the first Maillot Jaune of his career after finishing 2nd and 3rd in the two previous editions.

After LeMond's victory in 1986, he was almost killed in a serious hunting accident, meaning he didn't defend his title in 1987. Nevertheless, LeMond did indeed return and actually won two more Tour de France titles in 1989 and 1990.

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