Hampsten was the first American to win the Giro d’Italia.

Hampsten won the 1988 Giro d’Italia in front of Erik Breukink of Holland and Urs Zimmermann of Switzerland.

Hampsten also won the Mountains Jersey that year in the Giro d'Italia as well.

In addition, Hampsten was 3rd in the 1989 Giro d’Italia behind Laurent Fignon of France and Flavio Giupponi of Italy.

In non-Cycling Hall of Fame.com events, Hampsten won the Tour of Switzerland in 1986 and 1987.

Hampsten’s win in the 1987 Tour of Switzerland was the first time an American rider riding on an American team (7-Eleven) won a European national tour.