Greg LeMond vs Jonathen Boyer: “The Chase Down” WCRR 1982

Prior to being named to the USA National team Jonathan Boyer and Greg LeMond had ridden on the French Renault-Elf-Gitane team and developed an adversarial racing relationship in 1981.

The 1982 World Championship Road Race was held in Goodwood, Great Britain. The 275.4 km racecourse, 18 laps around a 15.3 km “Gloriously Tough Goodwood” circuit. The start list included the all the biggest pro-peloton stars.

The finishing lap began with only thirty riders still in contention for the win. Marino Lejarreta (Spa) attacked through the finish area with one lap (15 km) to go. The dangerous Spaniard, known for long and successful breakaways, caused problems and the peloton's chase was intense. The group reconnected halfway through the final lap.

The aggressive last lap entered the final three kms together. A tired but determined Lejarreta found the strength to attack again. American Jonathan Boyer bridged the gap quickly and rode straight past the tiring leader. Boyer went under the 1 km flag with a solid gap. USA teammate Greg LeMond started the final chase and pulled the peloton up to Boyer.

Taking the gifted opportunity Giuseppe Saronni (Ita) came off LeMond's wheel and flew immediately past Boyer with 125 meters to go. Giuseppe Saronni cruised across the finish line for the prestigious 1982 World Championship victory. Greg LeMond held on for second place.

The existing friction between Boyer and LeMond became a full flung American feud. Boyer claimed LeMond did not want him to win and become the first American World Champion. The bad feelings last for years.