LAURENT FIGNON A FIGURE FOR THE AGES
First name: Laurent
Last name: Fignon
Nationality: France
Age: Died on 31-08-2010
Date of birth: 12-08-1960
Birthplace: Paris, France
Nickname: Le Professeur
Laurent Fignon, born August 12, 1960 in Montmartre, Paris, left an indelible impression in the cycling world. Fignon thundered into the pro peloton like a comet in the early 1980s. He made his professional debut as a cyclist in 1982. He quickly stood out for his unconventional style, characterized by his glasses, ponytail and offensive riding style. His real breakthrough on the world stage came as early as 1983, when, as a 22-year-old, Fignon dominated the Tour de France and brought the yellow jersey to Paris. He won the 50km individual time trial in Dijon, and also demonstrated his exceptional talent in the high mountains during that Tour. His victory earned him the label of cycling talent beyond category.
"Such a triathlon handlebar was actually not allowed, because a handlebar had to be in one piece"
In the 1984 Tour, as a 23-year-old rider, he won for the second time in a row, confirming his status as one of cycling’s greats. At the time, many thought he was going to win the Tour more than five times and set a new record. In the end, however, it remained just those two Tour victories.
Dramatic was the outcome of the memorable 1989 Tour de France. His name will forever be associated with that Tour and its outcome. In this thriller of stature, he was narrowly defeated by Greg LeMond in the final time trial, with only eight seconds difference. The time trial in Paris became legendary, because of the results, but also because of everything surrounding the equipment and the bikes. It was there that LeMond rode for the first time with the triathlon handlebars to which he owed the win. Fignon’s eight-second loss, to this day, is still the smallest difference in Tour de France history.
In addition to the Tour de France, Fignon had several successes in other prestigious races. For example, he won the Giro d ‘Italia in 1989, was twice winner of Milan-San Remo (1988 and 1989) and won the Flèche Wallonne in 1986. He crossed the finish line first in nine Tour stages, won three stages in the Giro and two in the Vuelta. His aggressive riding style, willingness to take risks and distinct look made him one of cycling’s most memorable figures. Off the bike, Fignon was known for his intellect and personality. After retiring as a professional cyclist, he continued his career as a cycling commentator and wrote several books, sharing insights about his experiences and perspectives on the sport.
Unfortunately, Laurent Fignon’s life was ended far too soon when he succumbed to pancreatic/lung cancer on Aug. 31, 2010, at the age of 50. Despite his untimely death, Fignon’s legacy lives on as a symbol of resilience, determination and perseverance. Much inspiration can be drawn from Laurent Fignon’s remarkable career. His impact on the sport, both on and off the bike, ensure that his name will forever hold a prominent place in the history of cycling.
José De Cauwer on that particular Tour of 1989
José De Cauwer was sports director of winner Greg Lemond in 1989 and was himself closely involved in the denouement. Later – as a commentator for the Belgian national broadcaster – he met Fignon regularly, but those encounters turned out not to be so cordial.
“Such a triathlon handlebar was actually not allowed, because a handlebar had to be in one piece,” José De Cauwer told the 2019 talk show Vive le vélo on the Belgian channel VRT. “On the day of the first time trial I went and knocked on the door of the jury president at 7:30 in the morning. He said it was okay and clearly irritated by the early hour sent me away again. It was just what we wanted, of course, because thanks to the triathlon handlebars and the more aerodynamic stance, later in that Tour, LeMond kept Fignon from his third Tour victory. Laurent looked at me cross-eyed for years, as if I had done something to him, and we didn’t really talk to each other. But in the 2010 Tour during the Netherlands-Spain World Cup final, he suddenly stood up straight came up to me and took hold of me. “It’s been good,” he spoke. Even then he knew he was going to die. A little while later he passed away.” Thus an emotional De Cauwer in Vive le vélo.
Fotos: © Teus Korporaal
