Laurent Fignon, known as "the professor" in cycling for the small glasses he wore while racing, died today from cancer. Fignon was the French rider who in 1989, lost to American Greg Lemond in the Tour de France by only 8 seconds. He'd previously won the race in 1983 and 1984, but came up short in 1989.
His is the sort of dignity that has disappeared from pro cycling, where now headbutting and shoving in pack sprints, and an overall lack of professionalism persists. It's too bad. Less so Lemond, but more so Fignon was the reason I enjoyed this sport so much. So long, Laurent.
Laurent Fignon, two-time Tour de France champion, dies at 50 - ESPN