LeMond, a two-time world champion and three-time Tour de France winner, retired from cycling in 1994.

The 60-year-old is also the only American to claim the Tour de France after Lance Armstrong and Floyd Landis were stripped of their wins due to banned substances.

LeMond revealed in a statement on his website on Monday that he is receiving treatment for chronic myelogenous leukaemia.

"Fortunately, it is a type of cancer that is treatable, and it is a type of leukaemia that is not life-threatening or debilitating," he wrote.

"I had been experiencing a few weeks of fatigue which prompted me to go in for a check-up which included some blood work.

"Following a series of tests and a bone marrow biopsy, which was completed last week, I received my formal diagnosis last Friday.

"No one ever wants to hear the word 'cancer' but, admittedly, there is great relief, now, to know why I was feeling poorly. My doctors and I have decided on a treatment which will begin this week.

"I should be feeling better in a few weeks and for the near future, my daily schedule will be altered only a little and I have been told that in a few months, I should be in remission."

LeMond assured "the long-term prognosis is very favourable" and hopes to return to France to watch the Tour next year.

"I had hoped to be in France in July for the Tour, but we are, now, working on an alternate plan so I can follow the Tour and engage with friends and teammates from our offices and farm in Tennessee," he added.

"I will look forward to returning to the Tour next summer! I will keep everyone updated about my health and treatments in the months ahead but for now, I believe I couldn't be in better hands.

"I am excited about our plans ahead and I look forward to updating you all along the way."

Australian Associated Press