The Man Who Beat the Tour de France in Sandals | Amanpour and Company

Imagine winning the Tour de France. Now imagine doing that without any of the perks -- no mechanics, no hotels, no crew at all. This is exactly what Australian pro-cyclist Lachlan Morton did this summer. He dubbed it the 'Alt Tour de France,' riding 200 miles a day and beating everyone to the punch by five days. Lachlan did it all for World Bicycle Relief, a nonprofit that finds bicycles for people in need.

Originally aired on August 6, 2021.

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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.

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[paulhartman]

What an insightful interview! Lachlan embodies the best of professional cycling and a wonderful person. This is absolutely one of the best interviews I’ve seen from a well informed, sensitive interview that really captures many of the elements of Lachlan’s journey. Chapeau!

[dmmaggi]

A testament to the quality of journalism on Amanpour and Company that it was a great interview....non-cycling journalists seldom get it right.

[JamiedoesWildBikepacking]

Lachlan time and time again is a class act. Whether it be on the bike or talking about the bike, the sport, or life, he has a real grasp of reality. He's one of the bloody good ones! Can't get enough or hear enough of Lachy!

[renashaffer]

Congratulations what a warm, wonderfully open and honest interview. A fabulous cause, an athlete who is doing what he loves, and the looks of joy on the interviewers face was priceless ❤️💗

[annewillmott]

Thank you so much for that wonderfully inspiring interview, both of you! That joy of achievement with the sense of humour throughout what must have been some extremely tough moments set my heart singing! It’s tough to overcome some of the hurdles of life we face. To see someone do just that, as a life choice, and face each one as it came day after day was so thrilling to hear. Well done! I have such admiration for what you did and for how you did it and for how you talked about it when you’d done it! Amazingly wonderful!

[RedCloudBeechWaveAhh]

Amazing and inspiring!! Hope lots of folks join me in celebrating this awesome guy, what he did, what the charity provided.
(Guess the video was just now posted.)

Since I'm the first commenter, love to everyone, from me in nyc!

[ozavanti]

Brilliant interview and continues to show Lachlan as an amazing human.

[Stu-kyut]

Lachlan is a cycling monster, one of Australia’s greatest sportsperson 💪

[donaldjmccann]

When I was 50, I peddled solo from Morro Bay California to Palm Beach Florida pulling a trailer behind my bike. I trained for 6 days before starting my journey. When things went wrong, I just reminded myself that nobody held a gun to my head to get me to make the trip. If I was as young and fit as this guy, I could probably have done it in half the time. I never made the national news, but there was a story in the Palm Beach Post about the trip. Most people will be amazed at what they can do if they set their mind to it.

[dannyzuehlsdorf]

Open up your hearts and donate what you can to this charity! Thank you Lachlan for leading the way!

[nickc]

What an awesome interview. Interviewer is actually asking great questions!

[timcorcoran]

Lachlan,
I have so much respect for you. I remember your first go in the world tour. And you stepping away and riding across Australia with your brother. And then your quiet return to the race scene. And now this. You are a pioneer. And you have already earned so much respect around the globe. I can't wait to see what you do next. Best of luck...although you don't need it. Just keep doing what you're doing.

[mediacritter]

So cool! I just rode a fundraiser from San Francisco to San Diego-- nothing nearly as grueling as the Alt-Tour, but it was still 8 days of cycling from sunrise to sunset! One day we even did 140 miles. I decided to set off in Vans sneakers instead of my fancy clip ins because when training they'd get uncomfortable after 50 or 60 miles. It ended up being one of the best decisions of my life: my Achilles tendons started really aching after just a couple days. Having Vans on made it possible to move my feet forward, essentially taking off almost all the strain in that region :) You rock Lachlan!

[rickpicking]

I’ve followed Lachlan’s adventures for a while now. Unbelievable effort and echo what a lot of people have said. Really good interview.

[profesam]

I gotta recognize and express my appreciation for guys like Lachlan and the other leaders of the sport who have worked to change the image of professional cycling. You all in the media have helped to humanize the sport as well as promote some of the more POSITIVE images and messages. For too long the elitism, secrecy, and toxic nature of pro cycling had been so detrimental to riders (and fans) mentally, physically, and socially. Granted, there is still an extreme amount of pressure on these guys to perform. But we all enjoy it when a company like EF-Nippon, for example, is willing to sponsor a top-tier cyclist, like Lachlan, to ride for charity and participate in activities that connect with people in a unique way. At the end of the day, athletes are still just as human as you and I. They WANT to compete/perform. If they feel that they can’t - - shame on us for being so “selfish” that we think our enjoyment is more important than their suffering. If we were real fans, wouldn’t (shouldn’t) we be more supportive and concerned FOR our heroes?

[jackoping]

This guy is incredible ! Really nice interview.

[ivancamacho]

What a smart gentleman with tremendous physical abilities! So much respect for him! We need more like him in this world!

[pasav]

This interview is beyond the bike and the Tour. This is an interview about life.

[jamieroszel]

I love the contrast between Lachlan and the hosts. This guy gets dressed up for nobody. Gotta love Lachlan!

[inevolution]

Truly a exceptional interview… the journalist was actually present and thoughtful realizing he had a very thoughtful and sensitive athlete snd human being in front of him… the research he did snd depth of questions.. brilliant…! Has for Lachlan.. not surprised at all.. he’s in touch with his soul.. not many are. Thank you both🙏🦋🙏