Frankie Andreu

Frankie Andreu, a former professional cyclist, is a well-known figure in the cycling community. He concluded his racing career in 2000 after 12 years, during which he participated in the Tour de France nine times. As the team captain of the U.S. Postal Service cycling team from 1998 to 2000, Andreu showed his ability as a leader, further solidifying his position in the cycling world.

Andreu's involvement in the Tour de France spanned from 1992 to 2000. During this period, only five cyclists emerged victorious: Miguel Indurain, Bjarne Riis, Jan Ullrich, Marco Pantani, and Lance Armstrong. Despite not securing a top spot, Andreu marked his presence by winning several race stages. This accomplishment is in addition to his commendable performance at two Olympics, placing eighth in 1988 and fourth in the road cycling race in Atlanta in 1996.

Initially starting his career in track cycling, Andreu later shifted to road cycling and developed a reputation as a super domestique. His vast racing experience also includes three Tours of Spain, one Giro d'Italia, high-placed finishes in World Cup events, World Championships, and Spring Classics. However, Andreu's career hasn't been free from controversy. In preparation for the 1999 Tour de France, he admitted to using the performance-enhancing drug erythropoietin (EPO). His testimony later played a crucial role in the United States Anti-Doping Agency's investigation into Lance Armstrong's doping practices, leading to Armstrong's lifetime ban and the stripping of his seven Tour de France titles.

Upon retirement from professional cycling in 2001, Andreu transitioned to a role as a bicycle race commentator for Universal Sports on the Versus television network. He remains active within the domestic pro racing scene and often provides commentary for professional races. Andreu has also made notable contributions to the development of the sport. In 2007, he served as the director of Rock Racing but resigned in January 2008 due to divergences over business strategies and the team's direction. In 2008, he collaborated with the American women's cycling team, Proman, to promote women's cycle racing. By 2010, he became the directeur sportif for the Kenda Pro Cycling team, sponsored by 5-hour Energy. As a testament to his in-depth knowledge of the sport and the respect he commands within the community, Andreu was the only American granted an interview with Lance Armstrong in the documentary "The Armstrong Lie."