Three Weeks, Eight Seconds

by Tassell, Nige;

  For just a few fleeting seconds on the podium, Fignon manages to share a smile with LeMond and Delgado. The pain, though, would remain with him for the rest of his life. Graham Watson

  Ever the family man, LeMond poses for post-stage pictures back in his hotel room, alongside the ever-supportive Kathy and two-year-old Scott. Getty Images

  Fignon tries to exact revenge on LeMond at the world championships in Chambéry the following month, but the American outsprints everyone to take an incredible double. Offside/Presse Sports

  LeMond’s extraordinary year is capped in December when Sports Illustrated name him their Sportsman of the Year, beating much more established names from American football, basketball and ice hockey. Getty Images