20 years ago, in the salad days of american bike racing, a victory of epic proportions was earned at the Giro Italia (aka the tour of Italy) by an american on an upstart American team.  This was the first, and to date, the only time an American won this prestigious event.  The riders name was Andy Hampsten who had a storied carrier full of victories any pro bike racer would be proud to have.  His victory in the 1988 giro, however, is easily his best and most epic.

A former teammate of Greg LeMond and future teammate of Lance Armstrong Andy rode for the upstart American team 7-11.   Essentially this was a ragtag team and didn't garner respect within the pro peloton.  Stage 14 over the famed Gavia pass saw the entire race blow apart and one person emerged above all others: Andy Hamsten.   Perhaps no other recent victory has been earned by anyone with such raw pain as that famed day in 1988.   The picture says it all, white out snow, freezing temps, poor road conditions - may the toughest guy win.   Win he did, and he did so in a manner truly earning the title "Epic Victory."

Our friends at VeloNews are celebrating the 20 year history with a detailed review.   We encourage you to read the article and see this earned victory.