Fignon Ascends

[beelzebabette]

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/...d-at-50_137442


Didn't exactly love the Lemond "tribute."

LeMond on Tuesday paid tribute to Fignon as “one of the greater champions, who was recognised more for his loss in the (1989) Tour de France than his first two victories.”

“It’s a really sad day. I see him as one of the great riders who was hampered by injuries. He had a very, very big talent — much more than anyone recognized,” LeMond told France 24 television.

“We were also teammates, competitors, but also friends. When he lost the Tour de France in 1989 it was one of the few where I felt we both won,” said the three-time Tour de France champion.

“The saddest thing for me is that for the rest of his career he said he won two Tours de France, when in reality we both could have won that race.”

[Coach McGuirk]

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/...d-at-50_137442


Didn't exactly love the Lemond "tribute."

Lemond is an egotistical ass.

[beelzebabette]

Great Fignon quote:

"I love life, laughter, travel, books, good food, like a good Frenchman," he said earlier this year. Above all, however, he loved cycling.

"Sometimes when I was physically at my best I could sense moments of utter ecstasy, those rare fleeting times when you are in total harmony with yourself and the elements around you: nature, the noise of the wind, the smells.

"Let's not get carried away. But I have to confess: I was happy."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obit...nt-Fignon.html

[PaloAltoCougar]

He had been scheduled to join Hinault and Jalabert at the Look pre-ride dinner at the end of May. When I asked Look's chairman where Fignon was he bowed his head and said Laurent was a good friend but was gravely ill. As the conversation progressed, I was kind of surprised to see how well-liked Fignon was among those present.

[creekster]

This is a very interesting turn of perceptions. Lemond was the honest aw shucks kid from America when he won in 1989 and Fignon was the evil pony tail sporting Frenchman who was arrogant and disdainful and who collapsed and cried at the line when he lost. All these years later, however, Fignon has grown into a respected statesman who wielded tremendous influence on the sport in France (he was brutally honest about French cycling and has pushed very hard to improve it) and who was welcomed everywhere for his friendliness and charm, while Lemond has descended into a morass of confusing stunts whereby he lashes out at current and former riders all of whom supposedly either either cheat or were worse than him (or both).

I couldn't stand Fignon in 1989. But I came to like him a lot the last number of years and he will be missed. Thanks for bringing this up, BBB, as I forgot to do so.

[PaloAltoCougar]

I agree creek, which is one reason I was surprised by now well-liked he was by everyone present at the ride. I felt the same way you did in '89 and was really excited with LeMond came from behind to win. But the last few years, LeMond's rep and public persona have really gone down the dumper.

BTW, I just finished reading Mark Cavendish's book, Boy Racer. As a fellow Manxster (my maternal grandmother), I felt I owed him that much. He still comes off as a pretty self-absorbed dude, but somewhat more likeable than I had perceived him previously, and it contained a fair amount of info that was helpful to this cycling neophyte. I wouldn't recommend that everyone rush out and buy it, though.

[RC Vikings]

I wish Figon, Lemond and Hinault had all been healthy and riding for different teams during the 85 tour.

My lasting memory of Figon will be the 89 World Championships. Three guys were out front on the last climb and Figon was the first to break from the stud pack and bridge the gap. Liggat was going crazy proclaiming Figon the likely winner and then Lemond bridged up and passed Figon. I just remember Figon digging deep to keep up with Lemond and I actually felt a little bad for him at that point because Lemond had nipped him at the TDF and he was going to ruin this for him also. The other four went over the hill first but Figon caught up and when it came to the sprint he took off first but had no chance of winning.

[creekster]

I wish Fignon, Lemond and Hinault had all been healthy and riding for different teams during the 85 tour.

My lasting memory of Fignon will be the 89 World Championships. Three guys were out front on the last climb and Fignon was the first to break from the stud pack and bridge the gap. Liggat was going crazy proclaiming Figon the likely winner and then Lemond bridged up and passed Figon. I just remember Figon digging deep to keep up with Lemond and I actually felt a little bad for him at that point because Lemond had nipped him at the TDF and he was going to ruin this for him also. The other four went over the hill first but Figon caught up and when it came to the sprint he took off first but had no chance of winning.

Good post. 85 was a weird tour. I can still recall Lemond looking like some sort of caged animal riding alongside the team car and pleading with Guimard to let him go and being refused. Epic stuff.

Whether it is age, the mere passage of time, the fact that his death reminds me I am closer to my own or the simple softening of the heart toward one who has endured cancer and passed, I am now filled with fond remembrances (such as the one you describe) of Fignon.

At the time, however, I know I didn't feel that way. In fact, at the time I despised him and was glad for any misfortune (short of injury, of course) that came his way. But today I no longer connect with that feeling. Now, I am only sad that he is gone, and I linger in my mind over the many great moments he gave us. RIP, Laurent.