COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — USA Cycling, which recently held its professional road championships in Greg LeMond's adopted home of Tennessee, is honoring his 1989 Tour de France victory with two commemorative T-shirts.
The shirts celebrate the 30th anniversary of his 8-second victory. Proceeds will be used to fund the U.S. National Team and Knoxville, Tennessee, cycling programs. The shirts are part of USAC's new series of "Legends" merchandise.
LeMond lives near Knoxville, where he relocated to oversee his composites company based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He attended the recent championship race in Knoxville.
"I was energized by the local Knoxville cycling community and by USA Cycling's new direction," he said in a statement. "I'm humbled by having my 1989 victory acknowledged by USA Cycling's Legends line and hope we can attract more kids to cycling, support the cycling lifestyle in Knoxville and help the journey of our next champions."
Rob DeMartini, USA Cycling's CEO and president, said, "Greg LeMond's victory in 1989 was one of the most thrilling moments in sports."
"In honor of our upcoming 100th anniversary, our Legends series will pay tribute to historical athletes and events from the past 100 years of U.S. cycling history. Thirty years ago, Greg LeMond's eight-second victory launched a generation of cyclists. Our goal is to celebrate our heroes from the past and to inspire the next generation of American cyclists."
USAC's Guillermo Rojas Jr. told BRAIN that the merchandise will be available exclusively on usacycling.org/shop this year, but the organization is exploring offering it at wholesale in 2020, when it will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Roja's is USAC's director of marketing & communications.
