Are There Any American Teams In The Tour De France
The Tour de France, also known as Le Tour, is an annual men's multiple stage bicycle race primarily held in France, although it often passes through nearby countries. It is one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world, offering a challenge to professional cyclists from multiple countries.
Since the race's inception in 1903, only a handful of American cyclists have won the race. Greg LeMond was the first American to win the Tour de France in 1986, and went on to win in 1989 and 1990 as well. Lance Armstrong also famously won the Tour de France seven times, but was later stripped of his titles due to doping allegations.
American Teams in the Tour de France
Currently, there are multiple American riders competing in the Tour de France as part of international teams. However, there is only one American team participating in the race: EF Education-Nippo.
Formerly known as EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale, the team was founded in 1995 and has since undergone multiple name changes. Their current team roster includes eleven riders from various countries, including three Americans: Lawson Craddock, Neilson Powless, and Tejay van Garderen.
Van Garderen is a notable American cyclist who has participated in the Tour de France multiple times. He finished fifth in the race in 2012 and 2014, making him the highest-finishing American in both those years.
History of American Teams in the Tour de France
The 1980s and 1990s saw a rise in American involvement in the Tour de France, with multiple American riders competing and winning. However, it wasn't until the early 2000s that an American team entered the race.
In 2000, the U.S. Postal Service team, led by Lance Armstrong, made their Tour de France debut. Armstrong went on to win the race seven consecutive times, making the team a dominant force in the sport.
After the doping scandal involving Armstrong and other members of the U.S. Postal Service team, the team disbanded in 2007. Since then, no American team has won the Tour de France or even come close to winning.
Conclusion
While there may not be a strong presence of American teams in the Tour de France, there are still multiple American riders competing in the race each year as part of international teams. EF Education-Nippo is currently the only American team in the race, but their riders are still able to represent their country and compete at the highest level of cycling.
