In 1986, Greg LeMond made history as the first American to win the Tour de France, the world’s biggest annual sporting event. He went on to claim victory again in the 1989 Tour de France and then one month later won the 1989 World Championships. Before retiring from competitive cycling, LeMond made history once more by winning his third Tour de France in 1990.
LeMond’s legacy has always been defined by his extraordinary courage and determination. Now, 20 years after his first Tour de France triumph, he has embraced a new, equally bold mission—to help find a cure for diabetes.
Greg LeMond has taken on the role of Honorary Chairperson for the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Tour de Cure, the ADA’s flagship annual cycling event dedicated to raising funds for diabetes research, education, advocacy, and awareness. Tour de Cure events are held across the country and are designed as rides—not races—encouraging people of all ages to get on their bikes and pedal alongside thousands of others working toward a cure.
“I am proud to be the Honorary Chairperson for ADA’s Tour de Cure event,” LeMond says. “The Tour de Cure is one powerful way for all of us to become champions in the fight against diabetes.”
Currently, nearly 21 million children and adults have diabetes in the U.S., a number that has risen 14 percent since 2003. Additionally, 41 million people are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes ranks as the fifth leading cause of disease-related death in the country.
LeMond will personally honor the top Tour de Cure fundraisers with the Champion for Diabetes Award. Those top fundraisers will also have the chance to win official LeMond Bicycles generously donated by LeMond himself.
The Tour de Cure’s national presenting sponsor is Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Other sponsors include Gold’s Gym, Performance Bicycles, LeMond Fitness, Discovery Health Channel, and LeMond Racing Cycles—the official bicycle of the Tour de Cure.
