The Comeback

Greg LeMond, the True King of American Cycling, and a Legendary Tour de France

By: Daniel de Vise

Narrated by: Pete Cross

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

In July of 1986, Greg LeMond stunned the sporting world by becoming the first American to win the Tour de France, the world's pre-eminent bicycle race, defeating French cycling legend Bernard Hinault. Nine months later, LeMond lay in a hospital bed, his life in peril after a hunting accident, his career as a bicycle racer seemingly over. And yet, barely two years after this crisis, LeMond mounted a comeback.

In 1989, he once again won the Tour - by the almost impossibly narrow margin of eight seconds over another French legend, Laurent Fignon. It remains the closest Tour de France in history. The Comeback chronicles the life of this great American athlete, from his roots in Nevada and California to the heights of global fame.

With the kind of narrative drive that propels books like Moneyball and a fierce attention to detail, Daniel de Vise reveals the dramatic, ultra-competitive inner world of a sport rarely glimpsed up close, building a compelling case for LeMond as its great American hero.

©2018 Daniel de Vise (P)2018 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Good book. Flawed reading.

Reader mispronounces "Giro d'italia" and "maillot jaune" and it gets irritating. Other than that a great listen to a great story.

Best book you will read on on the recent 50 years of tours.

Love this book. One of the best books I've read or listen to on cycling. In depth on both of mine's career and lances courier great stuff for the fans.

Great content and story, but poorly read

I've been a cycling fan for my entire life, and have followed Greg Lemond's career since he was still in cycling, and even read "Slaying the Badger". This book definitely goes over some of the same material in that book, but also adds to it with a parallel story of Laurent Fignon, Greg's other cycling nemesis. Overall, it's a great "read" and well worth it if you're a cycling history fan, as it goes over the "Golden Age" of cycling and it's greats.

The one big critical review I have is with the reader, who didn't do his research with some of the french words, particularly "jaune", as in "Maillot Jaune". His pronunciation of it is horrendous, especially to those of us who love cycling and know how it's supposed to be said. The word is often used in describing the Tour de France's leader, so it's said A LOT, and unfortunately, this word, and other French syntax is done rather horribly. I wish he had done his research and asked someone how to say it, especially since it's a key word said almost every chapter.

Otherwise, a solid read and recommended.

Great book

Was a great book for the cycling fan, the ending seem to drag on more about Lance than Greg. Understandably, but really wasn’t looking for a book about Lance.

Amazing story about the only American Tour de France champion, highly recommended.

Great story

As someone who has watched the Tour for years and wondered just how the riders did it this book opened my eyes.
Greg’s story is a triumphant one of staying truthful to honor and should inspire all to do what is necessary to bring truth to the front
We are facing this now in our country Nuff said

Gotta Love Cycling or You Probably Won't Like This

If you are a cycling enthusiast this is the book for you. If not it would probably be a bit boring. It is a graphic look into the world of cycling and the different races around the world not to mention the issues of racing when feeling sick or tired. We also learn about the beginning of doping and the entire ordeal with Lance Armstrong.

I'm so proud of Greg for having the conviction and fortitude to not follow the crowd taking drugs to enhance their performance. They might be winners but it's a false win. Who needs that???

Great book!

Excellent, excellent, excellent

Great recap of a powerful life. Pain and redemption. Loss and love and finding purpose.

The Complete Story

A very thorough telling of the last 2+ decades of Greg's perspective on cycling.

Very interesting

Followed the Tour de France in the 80’s and it was great to relive the good moments while learning new information

Loved it

Loved it, not only the story of Great Lemond but also the story of cycling in the US and Europe.