“I don’t think Vingegaard will perform well”

In an anniversary book, almost fifty years after the start of a flamboyant career, Bernard Hinault (69 years old) – called here “Bernard H.” – tells his story through the pen of the academic Jean Cléder (Hinault 1975-1986Mareuil Éditions). The novel progresses through page turns where the icon is inscribed in the collective memory. Always alert to a contemporary cycling that has become exciting again, the five-time winner of the Tour de France delightfully combines, here, past time and present moment.

LE FIGARO. – You write that you are of a culture « earthly » . But when you were a rider, were you sensitive to the beauty of the landscapes on the Tour route? ?
Bernard HINAULT. – Of course. There were two phases in the races. One where there was no action and half of the brain looked to the right, to the left and of course at the landscapes. And the other half which remained focused on the race. But, in a tenth of a second, I was on alert to return to the race if…