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Laurent Fignon, the cyclist extraordinaire, died of cancer on Tuesday at the age of 50. He won two Tour de France to his name and he came second losing by just eight seconds for a third triumph.
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On July 23, 1989, after 21 stages and 3,285-km of grueling cycling, Greg LeMond pipped the Frenchman by the Tour's narrowest margin. This was one of the great finishes of all time.
LeMond told France 24 television from his Minnesota home on Tuesday after hearing news of Fignon's death that he was feeling uncomfortable on his victory even on the podium. Fignon did not deserve to lose. LeMond remembered him as a priceless man and the news of his death was a shocker. He remembered Fignon as a fighter and extremely strong willed," He was always been true to himself and one of the best cyclists in the last 35 to 40 years".
RadioShack team manager Alain Gallopin, Fignon's physio and friend, informed the media that the rider died at the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in Paris at 1230 local time (1030 GMT).
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"I have lost a brother. I saw him yesterday and he was still fighting," said a grieved Gallopin.
Typical Frenchman
In a book published in June 2009, 'We Were Young and Carefree', Fignon disclosed to being diagnosed with cancer.
Fignon loved life and detested the idea of having to idea at 50. But he endured the illness with great courage.
"I love life, I love a good laugh, travel, books, good food. I'm a typical Frenchman. I'm not afraid of death, I just don't want to die", was his memorable take on his situation.
Fignon's started with soccer at school until he rode his first cycle race in 1976 and won it. He turned professional in 1982, winning his first trophy the same year, the Criterium National. In 1983 at the age of 22, with his round glasses and ponytail, Fignon became the youngest rider for 50 years to win the Tour de France.
The young champion won again in 1984. By then he was nicknamed 'The Teacher' for his tactical skills in the cycling world.
Injuries marred the end of his career but he also won the Giro d'Italia in 1989, the Fleche Wallonne in 1986 and the Milan-San Remo classic in 1988 and 1989.
Fignon retired from cycling in 1993 and became a television consultant.
"During the last Tour de France which he covered with total passion and beyond human endurance, Laurent Fignon showed how to face his last battle," France President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a statement.
"He gave the entire world a masterly lesson of dignity, courage and humanity."
