Originally Posted by merlinextraligh

The problem is I had to lift from 2 different sources becausethe source for Lemond doesn't cover the last 4 years for Armstrong. http://homepage.ntlworld.com/veloarc...ders/index.htm, and Wikipedia which I used for Armstrong doesn't list Lemond's palmares in detail. Thus I didn't capture Lemond's domestic record. Anyone who cares that wants to spend the time to get a more complete listing of both of their accomplishments is welcome. And Armstrong has a few seconds and thirds himself.

However, the point remains that Armstrong, particularly early in his career accomplished more than just the TDF. When you compare their European record, Lemond may have competed in more races over the season, and won the equivalent of what's now the Pro Tour, but Lemond's non TDF record is not that far ahead, of Armstrong particularly in light of ZERO classic wins. And in the TDF, there simply is no comparison between the 2, in numbers of wins, number of stages, dominance, or consistency.
I liked Lemond (particularly before he started being a bitter old guy.) but you really have to stretch to make a straight faced argument that he is the most accomplished american cyclist ever.