It was 1982 in England. I don't think Boyer had much of a point though. First, it's a stretch to call the U.S. Team at the 82 worlds a team. In fact the riders on the team had to pay their own way to England from the race (US Pro Cycling was virtually non existent as an entity at the time); more like 6 guys racing who happened to wear the same jerseys. Second, Lemond was clearly the more talented rider, on form, and the U.S.'s best chance to win.
Third, by the accounts I've seen while Lemond atacked on the final climb others countered most notably Sarroni and Kelly. Boyer didn't even hang on for third. I think it's naive for Boyer to think that if Lemond hadn't gone that no one else would have, and that Saronni with 6 teammates wouldn't have run him down. Had Lemond not attacked where he did, there may not have been any American on the podium.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2005/...82-worlds_8043

However, the whole incidents shows that hiring Boyer to ride with Lemond on Renault wasn't a very good idea.