In this exclusive video Greg LeMond, the only American to have won the Tour de France, talks about the challenge, intensity and demands involved with racing the three week stage race.

The film was shot by Oakley so expect some advertising, but there's still some interesting stuff in there.

LeMond embraced innovation during his career. He used the latest equipment if he thought it would gain him  a competitive edge,  most notably demonstrated in the 1989 Tour de France final time trial. LeMond was one of the first riders to adopt new aero bars and aero helmet which undoubtedly gave him an aerodynamic advantage over runner-up Laurent Fignon.

LeMond was also one of the first to start regularly wearing glasses. He started wearing Oakley's Eyeshade in 1985, and the rest, as they say, is history. Now the entire peloton wears eyewear and helmets. 

Also in the video LeMond lists his top cyclists of all time. Do you agree with his choices?