Bernard Hinault

NationalityFrench
BornNovember 14, 1954 in Yffiniac, France
Height1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight72 kg (159 lb)
DisciplineRoad
Professional career1975-1986
TeamsGitane-Campagnolo, Renault-Gitane, La Vie Claire
Major wins225

One of the best cyclists in history, Bernard Hinault is recognized as one of the fiercest and most combative racers the sport has ever seen. He was born in 1954 in Yffiniac, France, and started riding professionally in 1975. He rapidly established a reputation as a powerful all-around racer who could do well in a variety of racing circumstances.

In 1978, Hinault won his first Tour de France; over the course of his career, he would go on to win four more. He also won a number of classic races, such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour of Lombardy, and the World Road Race Championship. He also won three Giro d’Italia editions, two Vuelta a Espaa editions, and two editions of the Vuelta a Chile.

On and off the bike, Hinault was renowned for his toughness. He frequently disagreed with race officials and fellow competitors and was not hesitant to express his opinions or defend his stance physically. Over the course of his career, he also had multiple wounds, such as a ruptured spleen, fractured nose and jaw, broken collarbone, and many others.

Although Hinault ended his career as a professional cyclist in 1986, his reputation as one of the sport’s greatest athletes endures. He continues to compete in cycling and can frequently be spotted at important competitions and events all over the world.

Bernard Hinault’s greatest achievements:

YearAchievement
1978Tour de France overall winner
1980Tour de France overall winner
1981Tour de France overall winner
1982Tour de France overall winner
1982Giro d’Italia overall winner
1983Vuelta a España overall winner
1985World Road Race Champion

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