Dossard number 51 is a symbol of perseverance and determination in the world of cycling. The story of this number includes a chapter of the 1985 Tour de France, where a young American cyclist named Greg LeMond was competing in his first Tour.

LeMond was a promising young cyclist, but he was not yet a household name in the cycling world. He was riding for the La Vie Claire team, which was led by the legendary French cyclist Bernard Hinault. Hinault was a five-time Tour de France winner and was considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time.

During the 1985 Tour, Hinault and LeMond were both in contention for the overall victory. However, Hinault had promised to help LeMond win the race, as part of a deal they had made before the Tour began. Hinault had already won the race five times and wanted to help his teammate win his first Tour de France. As the race progressed, Hinault began to show signs of reluctance to help LeMond. He would attack on the climbs and try to distance himself from his teammate. This caused tension between the two riders and their team.

On stage 12 of the Tour, LeMond was given dossard number 51. This number was significant because it was the number that Hinault had worn when he won his first Tour de France in 1978. LeMond saw this as a sign of Hinault's support and encouragement. Despite the tension between the two riders, LeMond continued to ride well and was in contention for the overall victory. On the final stage of the race, a time trial, LeMond put in a remarkable performance and won the stage, securing his first Tour de France victory.

Dossard number 51 became a symbol of LeMond's perseverance and determination to win the race, despite the obstacles he faced. It also represented the support and encouragement he received from his teammates, including Hinault.

Today, dossard number 51 is still remembered as a symbol of determination and perseverance in the world of cycling, and serves as a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.