Cycling Star Greg LeMond Champions The Fight Versus Diabetes
December 2nd, 2009 | by Wiiabetes Guest Blogger |In 1986, Greg LeMond became the first American to win the largest single annual sporting event inside the world, the Tour de France. LeMond went on to taste victory again in the 1989 Tour de France, and again one month later inside the 1989 World Championships. Then, since a final coup before retiring from competitive cycling, LeMond won another historic Tour de France for the third time in 1990.
LeMond’s legend has ever been measured by his unrivaled levels of courage and tenacity and at this moment, 20 years after the date of his first Tour de France triumph, he has taken on an equally courageous challenge-to find a medication for diabetes.
Greg LeMond joins the American Diabetes Association (ADA) because the Honorary Chairperson for Tour de Cure, the Association’s premiere annual cycling event, which raises cash for diabetes research, reality, advocacy and public awareness efforts. Tour de Treat takes place nationwide and is a ride-not a race-that encourages citizens to dust off their bicycles and join thousands of other riders who are pedaling for a treatment.
“I am proud to be the Honorary Chairperson for ADA’s Tour de Therapy event,” says LeMond. “The Tour de Heal is one powerful way for each of us to become champions in the fight against diabetes.”
Nearly 21 million children and adults have diabetes, a 14 percent increase since 2003. Another 41 million people are at risk for developing multiplicity 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by illness inside the United States.
Greg LeMond will be on hand to present the top Tour de Treatment fundraisers using the Champion for Diabetes Award. Top fundraisers will also qualify to win one of some official LeMond Bicycles donated by the champion himself.
The Tour de Treat national presenting sponsor is Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Other sponsors include Gold’s Gym, Performance Bicycles, LeMond Fitness, Discovery Health Channel, and LeMond Racing Cycles-the official bicycle of the Tour de Heal.
