1989 - The greatest Tour de France ever

The final podium of the 1989 Tour de France - Fignon forces a smile
(Image credit: Cor Vos)
Richard Windsor's avatar
By ,
published

Well over 20 years ago, the most exciting Tour in history had cycling fans enthralled. It had everything - a brilliant route, drama, attacking riding and an unpredictable two-way battle which swung backwards and forwards from the Grand Départ in Luxembourg, all the way to the final metres of the Champs Elysées. Greg LeMond's final eight second victory over Laurent Fignon remains the closest margin in the event's history.

The Cycle Sport August 2009 issue celebrated the anniversary of this greatest of all Tours with a special 20-page feature. There were interviews with the protagonists, an extract from runner-up Laurent Fignon's new book, unseen pictures, eyewitness accounts from journalists who saw it first hand and a special bonus feature by award-winning journalist Paul Kimmage, whose retirement as a professional cyclist came during that Tour. You can read the full feature here>>

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Richard Windsor
Richard Windsor

Follow on Twitter: @richwindy

Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.

An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).