Gregory James LeMond American bicycle racer who was the first non-European rider to win the Tour de France, the most celebrated and challenging event in cycling. In his career Greg LeMond won the Tour de France three times (1986, 1989, 1990) and twice won the World Road Race Championship (1983, 1989). LeMond was an exceptional all-around cyclist who excelled at both climbs and time trials. He also pioneered such technological innovations as aerodynamic handlebars and helmets and, by signing the first million-dollar contract in 1985, raised the general salary level in the sport. In 1994 LeMond retired from competitive cycling after being diagnosed with a rare cellular disorder, mitochondrial myopathy, which sapped his endurance.