Bernard Hinault

He met Martine at a cousin’s wedding and fell in love with her within a day. The couple got married in December 1974 when Bernard was just 20.

He was born on 14 November 1954 in Brittany, France at the house of his grandparents. His father Joseph was a small farmer who grew onions and beans, and his mother’s name was Lucie. He has three siblings: Gilbert, Josiane, and Pierre.

His town was already a cycling heartland at the time of his birth though Bernard’s initial plans were not to be a cyclist. As a youngster he harbored the dream of becoming a farmer.

As a child he was very mischievous, stubborn and bold, and was in the habit of picking up fights with his siblings and the other children. He hated school and had no interest in studying.

When he finally passed his school certificate examination, his parents gifted him with a bike. He started riding the bike along with one of his cousins, a cycling enthusiast, and soon realized that this was what he wanted to pursue as a career.

He started professional cycling in 1974 at the age of 19. He joined the Gitane team and his income was fixed at 2,500 francs a month—the minimum legal wage. He finished seventh overall in the first major stage race of the season.

He scored an early victory in Paris-Camembert in 1976 by demonstrating his time trial strength as he maintained a thin lead to the finish. By this time he had become friends with Cyrille Guimard, a former professional cyclist, who advised the youngster on professional issues.

Bernard looked to participate in the 1978 Tour de France as he had been advised not to enter in 1977 in order to practice on his technique. Before the tour he demonstrated his talent by beating many of the favorites in the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré rode his first grand tour, the Vuelta a España. He eventually won the 1978 Tour de France on his debut.

He was hailed for winning the prestigious title on his maiden attempt and he lived up to his reputation by winning the Tour again in 1979. He again rode in the 1980 Tour de France, but had to abandon the race due to knee problems.

However, he was determined to re-capture the title. In 1981 he won the Paris–Roubaix and went on to clinch the first place in the Tour as well—a success he repeated at the 1982 Tour de France. However, his knee problems continued and he had to miss the Tour in 1983.

This famous French cyclist was nicknamed ‘Le Blaireau’, meaning ‘The Badger’.