Laurent Fignon lost his battle with cancer today, French television has announced. Fignon was 50 years old.
He won the Tour de France twice, in 1983 and 1984; he missed winning it a third time, in 1989, by 8 seconds to Greg LeMond, the closest margin ever to decide the tour. In 1983 Fignon, at 22, was the youngest man to win the Tour since 1933.
He also won the Giro d'Italia in 1989, having been runner-up in 1984, and the Milan – San Remo Classic two times.
With his round glasses, ponytail and an air of debonnaire Fignon was nicknamed "The Professor".
Fignon wrote a book on his life "Nous étions jeunes et insouciants" (We Were Young and Carefree) released in June 2009. The book is also available in English.
Six videos posted on the Le Parisien's website appear here.
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This is very sad- 50 is so young to die. I only saw him race a few times on TV in the 90s, but he stood out as he seemed so calm. I will look for his book.
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