Achievement as a great bicyclist/activist just might get you a congressional gold medal. At least former road racer Greg LeMond, multi-time winner of the World Championship and Tour de France, and a bicycling advocate, is up for one. The House passed H.R.3589, the Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act, which would reward LeMond the honor “in recognition of his contributions to the nation as an athlete, activist, role model, and community leader.”
The bill was sent to the Senate in September, where it sits before the the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.
Sen. Krysten Sinema (D-AZ) also introduced a companion bill (S. 2570), also before the committee. Her bill picked up 23 cosponsors, including Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), Jon Tester (MT) and Cory Gardner (CO).
LeMond has campaigned against performance enhancing drugs. He sure ain’t Lance Armstrong. He would become the first professional bicyclist so honored.
Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), original sponsor of the bill, said in a statement upon House passage ““Greg LeMond is a world-renowned cyclist and one of the greatest American athletes in history. The only American to win the Tour de France, LeMond’s career has been marked by victory after victory, selfless support for his teammates, and incredible comebacks, all while maintaining the highest standards of healthy athletics and clean competition. His career embodied some of our most cherished values – selflessness, perseverance, excellence, and sportsmanship – and LeMond has spent his life supporting children and young people, ensuring many others can experience the joy of cycling “
