Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

7-17-89 . . . Greg LeMond continues to amaze the bicycling world (including me). He led the Tour de France for five days before giving up the yellow jersey to Laurent Fignon of France. But yesterday, in a twenty-five mile individual time trial in the mountains, LeMond recaptured the lead in the tour. Steven Rooks of the Netherlands, a formidable climber, won the stage with an average speed of 21.21 miles per hour. LeMond was fourth, far enough ahead of Fignon to replace him at the top of the leader board. This is the sixth day in which LeMond has worn the yellow jersey. Fignon wore it five days and Acacio da Silva of Portugal four. Imagine: a twenty-five mile sprint up a mountain, by yourself, knowing that the outcome of the tour may depend on it. You’ve got to give LeMond credit. He’s not widely regarded as a climber, but he showed mettle yesterday. Today the riders take a much-deserved break. Beginning tomorrow, they tackle the French Alps. The race, I believe, will be determined there.