Bernard Hinault

Bernard Hinault (born 14 November, 1954) is a French cyclist, best known for his five victories in the Tour de France. He won his fifth in 1985, making him only the third cyclist ever to accomplish this. The French call him Le Blaireau (the Badger).

Hinault, born in the town of Yffiniac in Brittany started his professional cycling career in 1974. His first place Tour de France achievements were in 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982 and 1985. In addition, he placed second in 1984 and 1986 and won 28 stages, of which 13 were time trials. The only other cyclists to have achieved five first place victories in the Tour de France are Jacques Anquetil (1964), Eddy Merckx (1974), Miguel Indurain (1995) and Lance Armstrong (2003). So far, no one has achieved six.

He was very successful in other cycling events as well - with more than 200 professional victories over his twelve year professional career. In 1980, he won the World Championship on the road. Hinault has won both of the other major stages races as well, winning the Giro d'Italia in 1980, 1982 and 1985, and the Vuelta a Espana in 1978 and 1983. He also had first place victories in one-day-classics including Paris-Roubaix (1981) and Liege-Bastogne-Liege (1977, 1980).

Retired from professional cycling in 1986, Hinault now works in public relations for the Tour de France race organization.