French word?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by zsmith71
I am trying to remember a word used frequently back in the days of Lemond that described a rider as knowing how to handle himself in the peloton. They used to say that Lemond was the first American that had "_____". I think the word was French. Does anyone remember this word?

Thanks

panache? Not quite the right definition but it gets used a lot.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by zsmith71
I am trying to remember a word used frequently back in the days of Lemond that described a rider as knowing how to handle himself in the peloton. They used to say that Lemond was the first American that had "_____". I think the word was French. Does anyone remember this word?

Thanks

The only French word I can think of is...Surrender?

OK, not funny, yes I believe it was panache (please don't pronounce like an American).

Another french word that could be used would be "elan" meaning "spirit" (losely) the french fighting spirit is often refered to as "elan vitale"

Yes that was very funny. And so was elan vitale, unintentionally.