Ronan Pensec (born 10 July 1963) is a former French professional road bicycle racer. He was professional from 1985 to 1997.
Racing career Pensec was born in Douarnenez, Finistère, France. He became professional in 1985 with the Peugeot cycling team. His best performances in the Tour de France were in the first editions he competed in, where he finished sixth in the 1986 edition and seventh in the 1988 Tour de France. Pensec continued his career, still under Roger Legeay's guidance, with the Z team with Greg LeMond as his leader, who later became one of his best friends in the peloton. In the 1990 Tour de France Pensec wore the yellow jersey. While he defended his lead on the Alpe d'Huez, Pensec lost the lead to Italian Claudio Chiappucci in an Individual time trial. Pensec retired in 1997 after riding the French national championships.
Charitable efforts In 1994 he created the cycling event called La Ronan Pensec which is an event that raises money for AIDS research and AIDS fighting organisations. The operation also financially contributed to educate young high school students. Over the years, Ronan Pensec donated €350,000 to various associations.
Media and other work Pensec is now a television commentator and consultant for France Télévision on major cycling events. He gives the producer tactical advice on which live images he should select. In 2003, he founded his own travel agency.
Major results
1985 1st place overall Étoile des Espoirs 1986 Lamballe Meymac Saint-Martin de Landelles Villeneuve-sur-Yonne Tour de France: 6th place overall classification 1987 Lanarvily (Cyclo-cross) Étoile de Bessèges 1988 Callac Route du Sud Grand Prix de Rennes Tour de France: 7th place overall classification 1989 Angers 1990 Boucles de l'Aulne Lèves Ronde d'Aix-en-Provence Tour de France: Wearing yellow jersey for two days 1992 Brest GP Ouest-France Monmarault
References
External links Official site with details of Tour de France touring rides
Official Tour de France results for Ronan Pensec