Anatomy of a Photo: Badgers Are As Badgers Do

Communication at its most fundemental

I’m not particularly fond of this photo, but it certainly tells you a thing or two about Le Blaireau. A man more comfortable speaking with his appendages than with words, he was patron of the last peloton that truly represented the working class sport that cycling originally was; one where riders escaped a tough life of manual labor and meager means by pursuing life on the bicycle (one of tough labor and meager means). The hardest man of a generation of hard men, the Badger was as cuddly as a fistful of rusty nails.

By my last count, there are more images on The Googles – both old and new – of Hinault assaulting people than there are of him riding a bike. A fiercely proud man, he once threw a young Phil Anderson’s bidon to the roadside after Phil deigned to offer it to him in a sporting gesture. In his first grand tour of his career, he lead a rider’s protest because they felt mistreated. A few years later, at the 1984 Paris-Nice, he beat up a guy (pictured) for leading a protest by shipyard workers who felt mistreated. He’s been tackling people ever since.

He was also, as most champions are, fiercely competitive. As team leader, he forced LeMan to wait for him in 1985 when he faltered and his young American teammate was up the road in the winning break, threatening to take the race lead. In return, he promised to work for Greg the following year. Then, in the 1986 Tour, when it suddenly appeared he might be strong enough to win for a record sixth time, he promised to work for LeMond so long as he beat him first. Not exactly a man of his word, then.

So here’s to Bernard Hinault, a fucking asshole. But an awesome asshole. And, while not pretty, lets remember that assholes perform a vital function.

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

Next Breaking the Rules: 33 »

Previous « Pro Gravelling- Montepaschi Strade Bianche

View Comments

Jeff in PetroMetro says:

Mar 7 2011 at 1:52 pm

The same no talent ass-clown that is about to get pounded has a hold on both Phil and the Badger. Sorry but you touch the bike or the rider, game on.

@Souleur
And this is exactly what wouldn't happen in Texas. When you confront an asshole on a country road, he doesn't get out of the car. He either runs over you (been there--saw the underside of a cattle trailer and spent 4 months recovering), or he takes out a gun and shoots you. Then, adding insult to injury, the sheriff who investigates your death blames you because, well, you were riding a bike on a road.
Marcus says:

Mar 7 2011 at 2:07 pm

Cinghiale :
On why doesn't anyone do a decent repro of that classic La Vie Claire jersey?

Available here
Jeff in PetroMetro says:

Mar 7 2011 at 2:36 pm

Here is a different side of Hinault--one of compassion for a loyal teammate. Sorry for the quality. It is a scan from "Breakaway" by Samuel Abt. The photo is by Presse-Sports. Jourdan has been injured in a crash and is about to drop out of the 1984 TdF.
Xponti says:

Mar 7 2011 at 3:02 pm

Pedale.Forchetta:
The Force has a "Dark side", which feeds off emotions such as anger, jealousy, fear, and hate...

There is no Peace there is only Passion
Through Passion I gain Strength
Through Strength I gain Power
Through Power I gain Victory
Through Victory I break the chains that bind me.

The Sith Code.

Sounds like we should all strive to be Sith....Cycling Sith. Maybe this could be adapted to be part of the Velominati prayer that all should recite prior to laying down the V.
il ciclista medio says:

Mar 7 2011 at 3:03 pm

Nice one frank.

It is a brilliant photo, capturing a moment in an (cycling) era that has long since passed. The emotions and thoughts that are on display from just about everyone, caught in an instant are what makes the photo speak to the viewer.

The Badger and Klinger both look like they may have had the blow dryer working overtime that morning don't they?
sgt says:

Mar 7 2011 at 3:20 pm

@Jeff in PetroMetro
I've seen that picture before... I just figured Hinault was apologizing for punching him... "Sorry, mon ami, next time hold your line..."
Ron says:

Mar 7 2011 at 4:01 pm

What an asshole indeed!

One thing I love about this photo is that is shows how the hardmen of old actually knew how to throw a goddamn punch. Look at the lads now, reduced to using a front wheel. That, my friends, is a black eye in the works. Nice form, tons of anger.

Great write-up, Frank!
Jeff in PetroMetro says:

Mar 7 2011 at 4:39 pm

@sgt
"Ohhhh, sheeeet, Bernard!!!!!!!! Zat reeeely heert!"

"Shut eet, Christian. Rool Cinq. Tu connais Les Rools. I yam sorree, mais you braught thees on yourself."
Collin says:

Mar 7 2011 at 5:44 pm

@Jeff in PetroMetro
I like the Franglish.
Jeff in PetroMetro says:

Mar 7 2011 at 6:05 pm

No offense to the French intended. I like the French. I have a French bike. I have French shoes (Yellow Princesses, no less). I like French wine (but I can't afford it, what with the French bike and all).