He had been groomed at Subaru-Montgomery (that sponsor showing up often, later on) and Motorola (ex-7-Eleven team) prior to the World Championships and it was as a 1-day and week-long stage racer (without much climbing) that he was tipped to perform.
It will be interesting to hear the full details about how he affected the Motorola transformation. Andy Hampsten quit because drugs became institutionalised on the team. Sean Yates was assigned as LA's minder at Motorola, teaching him how to be a good pro.
Pre cancer Lance was a classic rider. Very aggressive. World Champion at 21. He was a triathlete before he was a cyclist so he carried a lot of muscle. Too much muscle to be a top climber, which meant he'd never win a tour. He'd probably had a better chance at the green jersey.
Cancer treatment wasted his muscle away which is why he developed a high cadence. His muscle loss made him lighter for the climbs.
Sean Yates was his mentor and taght him the finer points. He made himself very unpopular when he started out as a pro. One Italian rider eased off on a sprint finish so that he wouldn't have to share the podium with Lance, as an insult to Lance. They became friends later on.
At least, that's what it says in his book.
I wouldn't be surprised if it was Sean who taught him how to descend. Sean was The Daddy!