Deutsch
English
Bernard Hinault - The Badger of Cycling
The Unyielding Champion
Bernard Hinault, born on November 14, 1954 in Yffiniac, Brittany, is one of the greatest legends of cycling and is considered one of the most complete riders of all time. His nickname "Le Blaireau" (The Badger) perfectly symbolizes his fighting nature, his tenacity and his unyielding will to win.
With five victories at the Tour de France (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1985), Hinault belongs to the exclusive group of the most successful Tour riders in history, together with legends like Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Hinault began his professional career in 1975 with the French team Gitane-Campagnolo. Already in his second year as a professional, he showed exceptional talent and won the Dauphiné Libéré as well as several other significant races. His aggressive riding style and unwavering fighting spirit quickly made him a favorite among fans and a feared opponent in the peloton.
The big breakthrough came in 1978, when Hinault won his first Tour de France at the age of only 23. It was the beginning of an unprecedented dominance in cycling that would last for a decade.
The Great Achievements
Triple Crown - The Triple Triumph
Hinault is one of only seven riders in cycling history to have won all three Grand Tours. His successes at the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España underscore his exceptional versatility as a rider.
Legendary Moments
The Icy Battle 1980
One of the most unforgettable moments in Hinault's career occurred at Liège-Bastogne-Liège 1980. In freezing temperatures and snowstorms, Hinault fought his way to victory despite frozen fingers. This race symbolizes his unyielding mentality and exceptional fighting spirit.
The Rivalry with Greg LeMond
The complex relationship between Hinault and the young American Greg LeMond at the 1986 Tour is one of the most fascinating stories in cycling. Hinault had promised to support LeMond in his first Tour victory, but repeatedly attacked his teammate. Ultimately, LeMond won the Tour, but the rivalry remains an unforgettable moment in cycling history.
Riding Style and Strengths
Universal Talent
What distinguishes Hinault from many other champions is his exceptional versatility. He was not only a brilliant climber and time trialist, but also successful in the classics. His victory at Paris-Roubaix 1981 proves his ability to triumph on the most diverse terrains.
Training Methods and Preparation
Hinault was known for his scientific approach to training, which was revolutionary in the 1970s and 1980s. He worked closely with coaches and doctors and used state-of-the-art methods of performance diagnostics.
The Importance of Mental Strength
For Hinault, mental strength was just as important as physical fitness. His ability to perform under extreme conditions and never give up made him one of the toughest competitors in the peloton.
Personality and Leadership Style
Bernard Hinault was not only an exceptional athlete, but also a charismatic leader. In the peloton, his word was respected, and he was not afraid to take even unpopular positions.
The Rider Strike 1978
Hinault organized a rider strike at the 1978 Tour de France to protest against the excessively long stages. This incident shows his commitment to riders' rights and his courage to stand up even against authorities.
Hinault's Leadership Qualities
- Respect throughout the peloton
- Fighter for riders' rights
- Exemplary professionalism
- Uncompromising attitude towards success
Career Statistics
Life After Active Career
After his retirement in 1986, Hinault remained closely connected to cycling. He has worked for the Tour de France organization ASO for many years and is regularly present at the Tour, where he can be seen as a guest of honor and at the awards ceremony.
Ambassador of Cycling
Hinault uses his fame and reputation to promote cycling and inspire the next generation of riders. His opinions and comments on modern cycling are highly valued and often spark discussions.
Hinault's advice for young riders always emphasizes the importance of mental strength, professional attitude and the absolute will to succeed.
Legacy and Influence
Bernard Hinault's influence on cycling can hardly be overestimated. He set new standards in terms of professionalism, training and mental preparation. Many modern champions cite him as inspiration and role model.
Comparison with Other Legends
In discussions about the greatest cyclist of all time, Hinault is always mentioned together with Eddy Merckx. While Merckx achieved more victories, Hinault's versatility and his dominance in a tougher era are often considered equivalent.
Hinault's Philosophy
"You have to suffer to win" - this simple but powerful philosophy ran through Hinault's entire career. He believed in hard work, discipline and the willingness to endure pain to be successful.
Attitude Towards Competition
Hinault held the view that a champion never gives up and always fights for victory. This uncompromising attitude made him one of the most respected and feared riders of his time.
Hinault's extreme training zeal and his willingness to ride through pain also led to several injuries, particularly his chronic knee problems.
Unforgettable Quotes
Bernard Hinault was known for his direct and often provocative statements. Some of his most memorable quotes:
- "As soon as I stop suffering, I stop riding."
- "In cycling, there is only one place: first."
- "You have to be willing to suffer, otherwise you should stay home."
- "The badger never attacks first, but defends itself to the end."
Awards and Honors
Checklist: What Makes Hinault a Legend?
- Five Tour de France victories
- Won all three Grand Tours
- World champion in road racing
- Successes in all disciplines (mountains, time trial, classics)
- Unyielding fighting spirit and mental strength
- Revolutionary training methods
- Leadership qualities in the peloton
- Long-lasting dominance over a decade
- Respect from colleagues and competitors
- Lasting influence on modern cycling
Summary
Bernard Hinault remains one of the most fascinating and influential personalities in cycling history. His combination of exceptional talent, unyielding mentality and uncompromising professionalism made him one of the greatest champions of all time.
The "Badger" set standards that remain valid to this day, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of cyclists. His five Tour victories, his versatility and his fighting heart secure him a place in the pantheon of cycling legends.