In the chronicle titled “The Last Rider,” we discover the riveting tale of retired cycling legend Greg LeMond and his painstaking return to professional cycling at the 1989 Tour de France. Previously, LeMond’s intense Tour de France rivalry was featured in ESPN's "30 for 30" documentary, "Slaying the Badger." This time, however, the film analyses LeMond's rivalry with Bernard Hinault on a more personal level, touching on moments of betrayal that echoed LeMond's past traumas. After Hinault's alleged treachery, LeMond's return to America resulted in an unfortunate hunting accident that nearly cost him his life, further complicating his sports career.
The film discusses LeMond’s incredible resilience, illustrating his journey from over 40 pellet bullet injuries to reviving his professional cycling career. The traction of his story picks up during the ‘89 Tour, where he formed a rivalry with another French cycling champion, Laurent Fignon. The dramatic race, intense rivalry, and egos are palpably captured in "The Last Rider."
Eye-catching video footage and insightful commentary from various individuals, including the LeMonds, Pedro Delgado (the ‘88 Tour winner), and Cyrille Guimard (ex-cyclist and coach), take the viewers through the arduous journey LeMond and Fignon embarked upon. However, the film refrains from discussing the controversial doping allegations against the late Fignon, displaying a level of respect towards him, despite painting him as the antagonist.
“The Last Rider” offers an insightful view into the world of professional cycling, focusing on the intense sacrifices, rivalries, and personal demons that athletes like Greg LeMond had to battle to reach the top.
