Those Who Dared To Challenge The Badger

It must be said, that in his prime, Bernard Hinault didn't face many threats to
his crown from the riders in the professional field. From his emergence as the
dominant force in the pack, it was clear that he was a truly exceptional rider, with
an ability seen in only a handful of this century's champions. He was gifted in all
disciplines, a vital factor of champion status and could take hold of the reigns of
another whenever he felt like it.

Hinault was the type of character that loved competition and especially the
total domination of the other riders. I remember a quote, from Stephen Roche
I think, that told of the terror that riding with Hinault could inflict on a new professional.
The Irishman said, that as a young pro he was forced to sit on the wheel of Bernard
Hinault as best he could, for the whole stage while Hinault belted out the punishment
to the tune of 53x13t - the largest gear on his bike. Roche told how he couldn't believe
that Hinault didn't shift out of this mammoth gear for the entire race!

This type of psychological tactic was part of The Badger's strategy. He could
put the fear of God into anyone who tried to rock the boat - in other words, he let his
legs do the talking. Race after race Hinault would strike with such force that any rider
with hopes of victory would have to be on the very best form to even compete with
this great champion. There weren't many riders who could hope to give Hinault a hard time
in any sort of race, whether it be over cobbles, the Classic races, the time trial or the Alps.
Those men were made of similar stuff, that is to say, they had the strength, courage
and the will to take on Le Blaireau and beat him at his own game. The few riders capable
of this are listed on the following pages.

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The Bernard Hinault Archive 2003

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