Hampsten discusses changes in cycling

August 16, 2012, 8:10 pm

Retired cyclist Andy Hampsten joined Chop to talk about his career and the current state of cycling.

Hampsten started as a professional by helping teammate Greg LeMond win the Tour de France in 1986, while also winning the Giro d'Italia in 1988.

Riding for Team La Vie Claire and Team 7-Eleven, Hampsten said the sport has become a bit more calculated than it once was.

"If a sponsor is putting in millions, they know the difference between winning the Tour ... and not winning," Hampsten said. He also pointed to current rider Vincenzo Nibali as an example of the old-school aggressive mentality.

Hampsten, an American, also commented on the state of American cyclists, most notably Tejay van Garderen and Taylor Finney.

"There's a fantastic crop of [American] riders and teams for them to come through," said Hampsten, though adding, "I prefer to throw away the 'Next Big American Thing' since we've had two superstars win [ten] Tours between them."

In the interview, Hampsten also gives his view on the sport's issues with doping as well as his recent business ventures, Hampsten Cycles, Cinghiale Cycling Tours and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Co. Listen to the interview: