The Comeback: Greg LeMond, the True King of American Cycling, and a Legendary Tour de France Hardcover – June 5, 2018

Finally someone has written a good book about one of America' greatest athletes, cyclist Greg Lemond. Although the title indicates that the book's focus is on Greg's fascinating duel with French cyclist Laurent Fignon in the grueling 3 week 1989 Tour de France, the author gives the reader much more than that. Greg's life story reads like a Greek drama, with amazing highs and dismal lows. We learn about Greg's youth, and development into a cycling prodigy. His early years competing in Europe as one of the few Americans are well described. Greg's successes are mixed with the frustrations of being forced to support legendary French cyclist Bernard Hinault, which cost Greg a probable Tour victory in 1985. Even when Hinault promised to support him in 1986, Greg still had to fight bitter intra-team conflicts to become the first American to win the Tour. Then a hunting accident almost ended Greg's life (and cycling career). His determined comeback against the odds is inspirational. The author provides a compelling account of the 1989 Tour, one the most exciting in history. The final part of the book concerns Greg's later career, where his refusal to take PED's (especially EPO), forced his retirement, His feud with Lance Armstrong becomes a sad commentary on the state of European cycling. Greg was one of the few to speak up against Lance and cheaters in cycling, for which he paid a heavy price, only to be vindicated. Overall, an excellent book about a great athlete who represents courage and determination.

Great book. Provided an overview of Greg's successful and inspiring career on and off the bike. Gives a good overview of his youth and skiing and biking. Things take off when Greg is on the Renault team along with Laurent Fignon who will cross paths with Greg many times moving forward. The book describes the 1985 Tour de France with Bernard Hinault of La Vie Claire team. Greg could have won the '85 tour, but instead guided Hinault a victory. Then comes the '86 Tour de France. Greg is basically riding this tour alone, despite the fact he is still on La Vie Claire and still "team mates" with Bernard Hinault. This was an interesting part of the book because there was all sorts on intrigue and favoritism working out against Greg in the '86 tour. And of course there is great detail on the best Tour de France ever, the 1989 show down between two premier riders -- Greg LeMond and Laurent Fignon. 8 seconds. Are you kidding me? And of course Greg's third Tour de France victory in 1990. The book also covers Greg's Tour de France attempts after 1990, but at that time you could count on one hand the number of clean riders, with Greg being one of the few clean riders. Greg does address the scourge of EPO that took over the peleton. Speaking of EPO, Greg does address Lance Armstrong in a chapter titled The Texan. I almost wish he did not address Lance Armstong, but it would be impossible not to. Armstrong had such a negative impact on soooo many people including Greg, other riders, and unfortunately the sport of bicycle racing.But the focus of the book is Greg's development as a rider. The book does address other races other than the Tour de France which I found also interesting. Avid Tour de France fans know Greg would have won in 1985. He won in 1986. He likely would have won in 1987 and 1988 but for the accident. He won in 1989 and 1990. By my count that is six Tour de France victories. Either way Greg's three victories show what a great rider he was, in an era of other great riders like Bernard Hinault and Laurent Fignon. Book also contains good color photos.

This is a must read for anyone wanting to know about a critical turning point in cycling. It’s also a perfect book for any Greg Lemond fans out there. Mr. Lemond has a fascinating story. I gave it 4 stars because 3.5 stars want available and I thought 3 stars was a bit too low. I’ve got a library full of cycling books and although I enjoyed this book, it left me wanting even more detail. Two things I found very odd: 1) that the author describes Lemond’s pedaling style as ‘ungainly’...I’ve watched all the greats ride and Lemond is clearly one of the most graceful and powerful riders that has pedaled a bicycle. 2) the omission of Hinault as a 5 time winner (noted twice) when recapping the tour’s 5-time winners.I found ‘Slaying the Badger’ and ‘Kings of the Road’ (Robin Magowan) much better reads.

Great story, great book, the greatest American cyclist in history. No dope just a lot of hard work. Enjoyed this thoroughly and would highly recommend

I thought Slaying The Badger would be enough, boy was I wrong. The best book I can compare this to is the short but excellent book by Jon Wertheim on Federer v Nadal called Strokes of Genius. Like that book this goes beyond one match up or one season to give even a long time fan information about cycling and the tour and even Greg that I didn't know. This is one of those rare books I took my time with because I truly didn't want it to end. If you think that reading Slaying the Badger makes this redundant, it doesn't. I give this my highest recommendation and thank the author for his excellent work. I also thank him for reminding people who have a right to be cynical that we do have , or did have, genuine heroic people and Greg Lemond was a freak in many ways, all good. Give him back the '85 tour he gave to Hinault and they both have 4 , give him back the two years lost to being shot and maybe he has 6? Who knows, but he certainly belongs in any serious discussion of the greatest riders ever and he is head , shoulders, knees and toes the greatest the USA has ever had. I really can't discuss the book too much without spoiler alerts so I'll just say if you are curious enough to be reading reviews on it.. you need to read it!

This book is fantastic , filled with great stories and backed up by their sources, but i cant shake the feeling that the way the book is written theres some objectivity lost, the chapter that gives this books its title is thrilling, and overall i think the book accomplishes what it sets to do.The paper is great quality as is the Hardcover in a solid yellow cover, looks great in a bookshelftldr: A great story, about a great athlete written by a big fan

This was the era of professional bicycling I followed closely! Best history on Greg LeMond & his colleagues & competitors over his career! Good recap of professional & personal rivalry between Lance Armstrong & Greg Lemond from 1990's to present. A worthwhile read on professional cycling and its challenges as a sport!

Really loved this book. The main story is pure Hollywood but true. I found the years after the comeback especially good as cycling changed in the early 90s as EPO took hold.

Es un libro muy completo aunque esta escrito en ingles se puede entender si tienes unas nociones basicas de ingles habla de greg lemond en su juventud y como vino a europa tanbien habla de laurent fignon y curiosidades del tour como el doping yo lo recomiendo lo he comprado en pasta dura y el libro es formidable para los seguidores de greg lemond

Holy cow, this guy knows how to write! Every page is a joy to read. One of these books which make you a little bit sad when you’re through. Looking forward for the next one.