COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Cycling announced today the start of the LEGENDS merchandise line showcasing U.S. cycling heroes in honor of their 100th anniversary in 2020. The first merchandise items are t-shirts celebrating Greg LeMond’s 1989 Tour de France victory.
“Greg LeMond’s victory in 1989 was one of the most thrilling moments in sports,” said USA Cycling CEO and President Rob DeMartini. “In honor of our upcoming 100th anniversary, our LEGENDS series will pay tribute to historical athletes and events from the past 100 years of U.S. cycling history. Thirty years ago, Greg LeMond’s eight second victory launched a generation of cyclists, our goal is to celebrate our heroes from the past and to inspire the next generation of American cyclists.”
Net proceeds from the two commemorative t-shirts that USA Cycling unveiled to celebrate LeMond’s victory will be used to fund the U.S. National Team and local Knoxville, Tenn. cycling programs. While representing the U.S., Greg won three road World Championships and now is a resident of Knoxville, Tenn., which has been home to the USA Cycling Professional Road National Championships since 2017 and will continue to host the event through 2021.
The commemorative artwork contains details to honor the historical moment. The yellow in the t-shirts recognizes the Yellow Jersey victory, the numbers on the shirt highlight the eight second victory and the time trial bike represents the dramatic last stage victory.
“After attending the U.S. Pro Road National Championships, I was energized by the local Knoxville cycling community and by USA Cycling’s new direction. I’m humbled by having my 1989 victory acknowledged by USA Cycling’s LEGENDS line and hope we can attract more kids to cycling, support the cycling lifestyle in Knoxville and help the journey of our next Champions,” said Greg LeMond, 3-time Tour de France winner and 3-time World Champion.
USA Cycling’s LEGENDS merchandise line is available at usacycling.org/shop, more items will be unveiled through 2019 and during USA Cycling’s 100th anniversary in 2020. Net proceeds from each item will support the U.S. National Team and charities picked by the heroes showcased in the items.
For more information, please e-mail: Guillermo Rojas at grojas@usacycling.org
