Bernard Hinault

The Badger — five Tour de France victories and the most ferocious competitor professional cycling has produced. Bernard Hinault attacked when he was winning, attacked when he was losing and attacked in circumstances where no one else would have dared. His 1985 Tour, where he shook hands with Greg LeMond at the summit of Alpe d'Huez and promised him the following year's victory, then spent 1986 trying to prevent LeMond winning, is one of sport's great betrayal-or-competition debates. Won all five Grand Tours and multiple Spring Classics across a career defined by total competitive commitment.

Cycling is one of the most physically demanding disciplines in sport, requiring exceptional endurance, tactical intelligence and the ability to suffer. Career highlights included Tour de France 5x, Italia 3x, Vuelta a España 2x. The dedication required to reach elite level in cycling and sustain that performance over many seasons is rarely appreciated, yet Bernard's career record speaks precisely to that kind of exceptional commitment. Bernard's contribution to cycling extends well beyond personal statistics to include the broader culture and development of the discipline at the highest level. Competing at the highest level in cycling over an extended period demands outstanding physical gifts and the mental resilience to overcome setbacks — something Bernard Hinault demonstrated consistently throughout. The dedication required to perform consistently in cycling at international level defined every aspect of Bernard Hinault's approach to the sport.

• Tour de France 5x
• Italia 3x
• Vuelta a España 2x
• World Champion 1980