Bernard Hinault Interview
Bernard Hinault, a former French cyclist and world champion, was interviewed on French radio/television about the state of cycling and the culture surrounding it.
∘ Hinault’s views on doping
∘ Bernard Hinault Greatest Athlete in French Cycling History
∘ Grand Tours
∘ World Championships
∘ Monuments
∘ Other Notable Achievements
Specifically, the topic at hand was the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sports, and how it helps to push young riders to be better competitors. Bernard argues that the use of PEDs is important as it gives riders the motivation to work hard and push themselves, especially as athletes become more physically and mentally prepared.
Bernard also noted that while everyone is not a competitor, and not everyone has the same level of ability, it is still important to have a mental and physical capacity to succeed. He concludes that the key to success in cycling is to have a mental and physical ability to push through the tough times and continue to work hard, even on days when things are difficult.
He highlights that he was the only one among his contemporaries who was able to maintain his position in the ranks despite being dominated by others. He also addresses Pascal Praud’s question about the amount of doping in the peloton during his time, noting that it was commonplace but not generally accepted.
Hinault argues that it is easy to associate the sport with doping, but there were also challenges and setbacks that cyclists had to face. He concludes by stating that the perception of cycling as the most controlled sport today is inaccurate and that there were instances of doping in other sports teams during his time.
Hinault’s views on doping
In 1978, in the Alpes d’Huez stage, Michel Pollentier becomes the first major cyclist to be cought doping in an international competition. He is seen going to the urine test with a back-up urine pouch to escape the real test. Read the New York Times article on the event here.
Bernard Hinault talks about his experience in the sport and the prevalence of doping. He says that he has dealt with dopage in his career, but it’s not something he would like to talk about. Hinault is promoting his upcoming book giving advice for cycling preparation. He does not share his opinions on the matter, but he mentions that he has had tesimony from other football players about the use of doping, which should not be regarded as a small matter.
He reflects on the current state of cyberbullying among young athletes. He recalls the mentors in his youth who were less performant than his current counterparts and compares the past training methods to the current ones.
Bernard Hinault Greatest Athlete in French Cycling History
Bernard Hinault, nicknamed “Le Blaireau” (The Badger), is a French former professional road cyclist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. With five Tour de France victories, four Vuelta a España wins, three Giro d’Italia wins, and two World Championship titles, he is one of only seven cyclists to have won all three of cycling’s Grand Tours, and the only one to have won all five Monuments (Milan–San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris–Roubaix, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and Giro di Lombardia).
Hinault began his professional career in 1975 at the age of 20. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, winning his first major victory in 1977, when he took the overall title at the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. In 1978, he made his Tour de France debut and won his first stage, going on to finish second overall.
Hinault’s breakthrough came in 1979, when he won his first Tour de France, becoming the youngest rider to win the race since Jacques Anquetil in 1957.
Grand Tours
- 5 Tour de France titles: 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1985
- 4 Vuelta a España titles: 1980, 1983, 1986
- 3 Giro d’Italia titles: 1982, 1985
World Championships
- 2 World Road Race titles: 1980, 1985
Monuments
- Milan–San Remo: 1981
- Tour of Flanders: 1981
- Paris–Roubaix: 1981
- Liège–Bastogne–Liège: 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984
- Giro di Lombardia: 1978, 1980
Other Notable Achievements
- Super Prestige Pernod International: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982
- Mendrisio d’Or: 1979
- Champion des champions français: 1979, 1980
- Légion d’honneur: Chevalier (1986), Officier (2008)
