1980 Tour de France

Bernard Hinault in yellow jersey possibly during Tour de France 1979

When the Badger backed down: Bernard Hinault’s controversial withdrawal (Tour de France1980)

by vintagecyclingstories
June 29, 2025June 29, 2025

In the pantheon of cycling legends, few names carry the ferocious weight of Bernard Hinault. Known as “Le Blaireau”—The Badger—he rode with a predator’s instinct,… Read More »When the Badger backed down: Bernard Hinault’s controversial withdrawal (Tour de France1980)

Luis Herrera in the KOM jersey. Bernard Hinault in the yellowmjersey and Greg Lemond are posing during or after Tour de France 1985

Five “what-if” moments from the history of Tour de France

by vintagecyclingstories
June 1, 2025June 1, 2025

The Tour de France is more than just a race—it’s a living drama played out on two wheels, across mountains, cobbles, and decades. For every… Read More »Five “what-if” moments from the history of Tour de France

Bernard Hinault pedalling un the snow furing the infamous Liege Bastogne Liege monument on 20th April 1980

Bernard Hinault’s 1980: a year of triumph, turmoil, and turning points

by vintagecyclingstories
May 26, 2025May 26, 2025

In the brutal, beautiful world of professional cycling, few names evoke the same sense of awe, fear, and debate as Bernard Hinault. By 1980, the… Read More »Bernard Hinault’s 1980: a year of triumph, turmoil, and turning points