On a sad note today one of the giants of cycling has passed away. The article on Cycling News tells:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/laurent-fignon-remembered
He was one of the first I remember growing up watching. His distinct style and flair did nothing to cover how fiercely competitive he was. Even recently in the 2010 Tour he criticized Contador and Schleck for being too friendly with one another. Fignon's nature demanded that in the greatest sporting event in the world, the one who would be champion must be aggressive and take the victory from all challengers.
Fignon was the last French winner of the Tour de France and one of the true champions of his generation. My own jingoism wants to trump the spirit of American athletes but Fignon resides at the level of Jalabert, Hinault and other great French cyclists who demonstrate the true character of champions and gives us something to admire.
In his battle with cancer and his desire to live he truly showed us that he was not the man that lost the Tour de France by 8 seconds. He was the Champion that won the Tour de France twice.
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