Money raised by the sale will go towards recognising the "US cycling capital" in Boulder with the artwork.

Six major donors, support from 40 businesses, and the donation of 100 inscribed cobblestones have pushed the project near its funding total.

But $150,000 (£87,559/€110,264) is still needed, and it is hoped the items will help take the total over the line by the end of this month.

The Torch, described as being "identical to the one carried by Nelson Mandela on its journey to Athens", is on sale for $5,000 (£2,918/€3,675) together with other Games memorabilia.

Hinault's bike, which won him his fifth and final tour, and the last to date for a Frenchman, is said to be in "pristine condition" and is on sale for $15,000 (£8,757/€11,026).

He also won the Tour de France in 1978, 1979, 1981 and 1982.



Others items on offer include a 1993 Team Motorola jersey signed by, among others, Lance Armstrong, Norm Alvis, Phil Anderson. Frankie Andreu and Steve Bauer.

It is on sale for $500 (£291/€367).

The items are being sold, rather than auctioned, though more can be donated than the face value.

The monument which the money will fund has been designed by Colorado artist Kimmerjae Johnson and will be the focal point of North Boulder Park.

"Like a silver ribbon, the beam will sail above the cobblestone plaza, between a canted stone archway ('Winner's Circle') and a massive standing stone ('Talking Stone')", a description of the artwork explains.

"On this element will be written the history of the Red Zinger and Coors Classics, commemorating all the winners, along with their successors in today's USA Pro Cycling Challenge."