Just read the news, absolutely appaling! The Professor was my first cycling hero. His battle with Hinaut in 1884 Tour was epic, and who can ever forget the 1989 Tour? Everyone instinctively thinks of the final stage TT into Paris, but the last week of the race was brutal with Fignon, Lemond and Delgado all going for it. Still one of the youngest Tour winners, and a winner at the first try too IIRC.
Having said that, his most courageous performance was certainly at this year's Tour when he managed to commentate most (not all) days for France 2. I didn't register at first whose voice you could barely hear at times, but when the penny dropped it gave me an even deeper respect on top of the teenage adulation.
I still have my old Systeme U jersey tucked away somewhere. If only I could still fit into it I'd wear it as a tribute tonight ...