Bernard Hinault Quotes

Powerful Bernard Hinault for Daily Growth

About Bernard Hinault

Bernard Hinault, fondly known as "The Badger" in cycling circles, was born on December 10, 1951, in Yvasdel'Herbaud, a small town in Brittany, France. His childhood years were marked by his love for animals and his innate competitiveness, traits that would later become instrumental in his cycling career. Hinault began his professional cycling career in 1971, joining the French team Peugeot-BP-Michelin. Known for his aggressive riding style and tactical prowess, Hinault quickly made a name for himself, winning his first Grand Tour, the Vuelta a España, in 1978. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary decade-long rivalry with fellow cyclist Greg LeMond, often referred to as the "Greatest Rivalry in Cycling." Hinault's most significant achievements came in the Tour de France. He won a record five consecutive titles from 1978 to 1985, an achievement that has not been matched since. His tactics, combined with his physical strength and mental resilience, made him one of the most feared competitors in the peloton. Off the bike, Hinault was known for his outspoken nature and unapologetic attitude, earning him both admiration and criticism. After retiring from professional cycling in 1986, he ventured into team management and ownership of a cycling team, La Vie Claire-Wonder. In recent years, Hinault has been involved in various charitable activities and is an advocate for the preservation of the environment. Despite his retirement from professional cycling, his legacy continues to inspire generations of cyclists around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The race is won on the climbs."

The quote emphasizes the importance of climbing skills in cycling races, implying that a significant portion of a cycling competition's outcome depends on a cyclist's ability to excel during uphill segments. These climbs are often challenging, demanding great physical effort and mental fortitude from riders. A strong showing on these climbs can help a cyclist gain an advantage over their competitors, ultimately leading to victory in the race. In essence, Bernard Hinault is suggesting that mastering the art of climbing can be the key to success in a cycling competition.


"To win, you must make sacrifices."

This quote from Bernard Hinault emphasizes that success and achievement often require personal sacrifices. To achieve our goals, whether in sports or life, we may need to prioritize, compromise, and make choices that are challenging or uncomfortable. Sacrifices could be giving up time, resources, or comfort for the pursuit of a dream. The quote underscores that dedication and perseverance are crucial elements on the path to victory.


"Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional."

The quote by Bernard Hinault suggests that experiencing physical discomfort or hardship (pain) is an inevitable part of life, especially when pursuing challenging endeavors. However, the emotional response to such pain – the feelings of distress, anguish, or unhappiness (suffering) – is optional. This wisdom encourages resilience and mental fortitude by implying that one can choose how to cope with adversity, and thus alleviate unnecessary suffering.


"You can't always win, but you can never lose."

This quote from Bernard Hinault implies that while one may not always achieve victory, there is value in every experience, especially in sports and life. It encourages resilience and the understanding that a loss does not equate to failure; rather, it offers an opportunity to learn and grow. The focus should be on continuous improvement, grit, and the will to keep pushing forward despite setbacks.


"I don't know what I am going to do tomorrow, but I will win the Tour de France." (often paraphrased as "I don't know what I am doing tomorrow, but I will be the winner of the Tour de France")

This quote by Bernard Hinault conveys a strong sense of confidence, determination, and belief in one's abilities, even when plans for the immediate future are uncertain. It indicates that, despite not knowing what specific actions he will take tomorrow, Hinault is certain that he will ultimately achieve victory in the Tour de France. This quote serves as an inspiration to those who face challenges or uncertainty in their own pursuits, encouraging them to maintain focus and perseverance with unwavering belief in themselves.


Illegal drug use runs contrary to the image of health depicted by cycling. Distributors of these drugs must be prosecuted more harshly as they are ciminals.

- Bernard Hinault

More, Image, Use, Distributors

I am working as public relations director for the Tour de France and maintaining my farm.

- Bernard Hinault

Director, Public Relations, Maintaining

Everyday there's something that reminds me why I love this sport.

- Bernard Hinault

Love, Me, I Love, Reminds

Cycling is open to the whole world.

- Bernard Hinault

World, Cycling, Whole, Open

I believe there are two periods in life, one for the bike, the other for becoming active on one's work.

- Bernard Hinault

Work, Other, Becoming, I Believe

I have the impression that cycling is no longer a game but rather an employment... a job.

- Bernard Hinault

Game, Rather, Longer, Employment

As long as I breathe, I attack.

- Bernard Hinault

Long, Attack, Breathe

I slept like a baby the night before, because I knew that I'd win the next day.

- Bernard Hinault

Next, Like, Before, Slept

I have contacts with the Tour de France which keep me close to cycling.

- Bernard Hinault

Me, Keep, Which, Tour

He has a head, two arms, two legs, just as I.

- Bernard Hinault

Head, Arms, He, Legs

I race to win, not to please people.

- Bernard Hinault

Win, People, Race, Please

I may, however, begin riding again when I am 60.

- Bernard Hinault

I Am, May, However, Riding

When I see pot-bellied cyclists wearing the 'maillot jaune,' it appals me.

- Bernard Hinault

Me, See, Wearing, Cyclists

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