Andrew Hampsten

Andrew Hampsten (born April 7, 1962 in Columbus, Ohio) is an American cyclist, best remembered for winning the 1988 Giro d'Italia and the prestigious Alpe d'Huez stage of the 1992 Tour de France.

Hampsten first caught the public eye in 1986, when riding for the La Vie Claire team. That year, he won the Tour of Switzerland and helped his compatriot and team leader Greg Lemond to victory in the Tour de France. He also finished the race in fourth place overall. The following year, Hampsten repeated his victory in the Tour of Switzerland, this time riding for the 7-Eleven team. His greatest moment undoubtedly came in the 1988 Giro d'Italia, notably on a short but now legendary stage over the Gavia pass. Attacking on the climb, Hampsten overcame a snow blizzard and sub-zero temperatures to take the leader's jersey - although he finished second on the stage to Dutchman Erik Breukink. His subsequent overall victory in the 1988 Giro was the first by a non-European. Hampsten's final career highlight came in 1992 when he dropped his breakaway companions to win the prestigious stage to Alpe d'Huez.