Our Guest Rider

Andy Hampsten Andy will join us for the day, riding in the event and staying afterwards to meet and visit with the riders and to sign autographs.

In the late 80s and early 90's, Andy Hampsten was one of the most feared climbers in cycling. Andy first caught the public eye in 1985, when he won stage 20 of the Giro d'Italia. In his first full season as a pro, 1986, he won the Tour de Suisse and also finished the Tour de France in fourth place overall and claimed the white jersey of best young rider. 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-freezing temperatures to take the leader's jersey. His subsequent overall victory in the 1988 Giro was the first and only by a non-European.

The 1988 Gavia will be remembered as the toughest day in any Grand Tour. Read Andy's own description.
Cyclists wishing to emulate Hampsten still struggle up the tortuous ascent today. At the top of the climb, a 20-foot statue of Hampsten holding aloft a thermos flask welcomes riders.

Andy's final career highlight came in the 1992 Tour de France when he dropped his breakaway companions to win the stage to Alpe d'Huez. He again finished the race fourth, overall, having lost his third place in the final time trial.

Career Accomplishments:

1985	Gran Premio Yardley Gold de Montaña in Colombia Giro d'Italia (stage 20 win)
1986	Tour de Suisse (1st overall; prologue win) Tour de France (4th overall; Best Young Rider Maillot blanc)
1987	Tour de Suisse (1st overall)
1988	Giro d'Italia (1st overall, King of the Mountains, 2 stage wins)
1989	Subida a Urkiola Giro d'Italia (3rd overall)
1990	Subida a Urkiola Tour de Suisse (3rd overall; stage 7 win)
1991	Tour de Suisse (3rd overall; King of the Mountains)
1992	Tour de France (4th overall; Stage 14 win to Alpe d'Huez)
1993	Tour de Romandie (1st overall; stage 3 win)
1993	Tour de Galice (1st overall; stage 2 win) Tour de Romandie (3rd overall)
1994	Tour de Romandie (3rd overall)

In 1996, Andy retired from cycling. He bought a home in Tuscany where he spends part of the year and established Cinghiale Cycling Tours where he takes riders off the beaten path to discover the genuine culture of Tuscany and the Dolomites. The company is named after the vicious wild pigs that run rampant over the Tuscan countryside. Andy and his brother, Steve, founded Hampsten Cycles in 1999. Located in Seattle, Washington, they offer a line of custom road frames and whole bikes.

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