Tour de France : Hinault Wins Time Trial, Then Concedes to LeMond

French cycling legend Bernard Hinault won Thursday’s 36-mile individual time trial at St. Etienne, France, but appears to have conceded in his quest for a record sixth Tour de France victory to American teammate Greg LeMond.

LeMond, bidding to become the first American to win the race in its 83-year history, finished second in the stage and retained the overall lead of 2 minutes 13 seconds over Hinault.

“Greg LeMond has proved, by fighting against all limits, that he’s a true champion,” said Hinault, who has been fighting a bitter battle with the 25-year-old Californian.

“I’ve pushed him just to his limits psychologically. He’s proven that he has enormous strength of character. The Tour was completed today. I’ve made a pact with him. I won’t cause him any problems on tomorrow’s Puy de Dome mountain.”

The statement put to rest the struggle between Hinault and his La Vie Claire teammate, LeMond, that has had the team split into two camps through most of the 23-stage, 2,540.5-mile race.

LeMond, who fell during the stage and then had to change his bicycle, was disappointed to finish second in the time trial, 25 seconds off Hinault’s winning time of 1 hour 15 minutes 35 seconds.

“I wanted to win to show that I don’t owe my yellow jersey to anyone and that I have the panache necessary to win the Tour de France,” LeMond said. “I was too nervous though, and I skidded on a turn.”

Despite Hinault’s pronouncement, LeMond still has a tough climb ahead of him today on the 118-mile 21st stage, which includes a finish atop the Puy de Dome mountain, one of the most grueling climbs of the race.

There was no telling if Hinault may make one last grab for the race leader’s yellow jersey if LeMond falters on the final three stages leading to Sunday’s finale in Paris.

One of the two is almost certain to win. Third-placed Urs Zimmermann dropped to 10:15 behind LeMond, while American Andy Hampsten was 19:33 back in fourth place.