Five-time winner Bernard Hinault of France (left) and Greg Lemond of the United States congratulate each other after the Tour de France in Paris, Sunday, July 27, 1986. For the first time, a non-European won the Tour de France.(AP Photo/Pierre Gleizes)

 Pierre Gleizes

Cycling legend Greg LeMond will ride in Saturday's Tucson Medical Center El Tour de Tucson presented by Casino del Sol Resort, an El Tour spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday. LeMond will take part in the 40-mile ride.Β 

LeMond is a three-time (1986, 1989 and 1990) Tour de France winner and one of competitive cycling's most recognizable figures. He is longtime friends with Richard DeBernardis, El Tour's founder and president.Β 

LeMond, 54, was honored by El Tour in 2000 for his contribution to the sport. LeMond won't be the only celebrity riding El Tour, Tucson's largest participatory sporting event: Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords says she plans to take part in the 40-mile ride with her husband, Mark Kelly.Β 

As many as 7,000 cyclists are expected to participate in El Tour, which offers rides of 104, 75, 55 and 40 miles and along with a handful of shorter "fun rides." El Tour begins at 6 a.m. Saturday. Follow Tucson.com for live updates from the ride. 

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