Have the Keepers implemented a “Like” button yet? Have they?

[looks around… nope. looks like I’ll need to work for it and use my words]

Well done sir. That picture is one to be hung on the wall.

I am a fucker, but not that tall, only 6′ tall.

Also, I’m Hinault’s size, you’re a pretty tall fucker.

Very cool. I’m an American and Atlanta makes my head swim, I can only imagine what it does to a lad raised on a farm in Brittany.

Had the pleasure of meeting Hinault yesterday and was lucky enough to have him sign some of my car signs from the Tour and Giro. He is doing a charity ride tomorrow at our shop here in Johns Creek GA, Bikes and Life. Pretty crazy. Bernard Hinault in suburban Atlanta on 40 mile ride.

When I asked him about the 1980 LBL, a wry smile came over his face and he gave the salute. It was a treat.

I can only imagine how badly his hands hurt while riding if he’s permanently lost feeling in some fingers. Now I want someone to explain how Haussler rode without gloves in a few of the frigid Classics this year.

Nice article.  Rule #9’d it for the first time on the Deacon yesterday.  No snow but three hours in the rain, wind and 40 degrees.  What is the opposite of hoping?  Training.  Even amongst us mere mortals there is deep satisfaction in knowing that you are out being “harder” than the average Joe.

@PeakInTwoYears

@LA Dave

+1. Great article Wiscot – thank you.

What he said.

Concur. Fine writing, +V.

Next time some dickwad objects to doping because “it puts riders’ health at risk” remind them that there was a time when riders gave two fingers to win.

Head to the youtubes & look for footage from the ’80 LBL that includes the post race interview…the Badger appears to be so high on amphetamines he’s chewing his lips off!

Thanks for the article, Wiscot!

No wonder he’s “The Badger”.

I did not know about that. Thank you for informing me. There are probably other similar instances, as well. In the moment, I was just thinking of Hinault flying into the trees…

@eightzero

[…] some dickwad objects to doping because “it puts riders’ health at risk” […]

Do people actually say this? As in, “more at risk than descending at 90km/hr next to cars and motorcycles in nothing but lycra and a wispy little helmet”?

I guess people say all kinds of stupid shit, but jeez on a trapeze…

Sorry to divert from a great article, thanks Wiscot, but to respond to the above…

Have you seen the latest doping busts ? Rusvelo rider and three guys in Costa Rica (not even top-level pros FFS) using a drug called GW501516. In the early lab tests as an anti-obesity druh it appeared to reduce fat AND increase endurance.

But then it was discovered that the drug causes cancer in the liver, bladder, stomach, skin, thyroid, tongue, testes, ovaries and womb – not just a small increase in risk, it is almost a side-effect.

The fact that four riders have been caught with it in a matter of weeks is a pretty alarming indication of the health risks people will take.

This is why I am not anti-doping per se, I am for giving teams and doctors strict liability for everything the rider takes. No team could afford the risk of being sued by a rider for giving them cancer – their insurers would be the best guarantee of that.

Le Badger – the hardest of the hardmen – no sign of a replacement yet

Just finished creating a sparkly drivetrain and this was a great reward to read afterwards. Lemond and Hinault rifts seem perfectly expected and normal now after this insight.

Yeah, Hinault was both unstoppable force ‘and’ immovable object. Great piece, wiscot, thanks.

It shames me to think that I was feeling sorry for myself at the end of last night’s rainy 7.5 C. ride.  Rule #9?  My arse.

Bernard Hinault’s ride was Rule #9.

[…] some dickwad objects to doping because “it puts riders’ health at risk” […]

Do people actually say this? As in, “more at risk than descending at 90km/hr next to cars and motorcycles in nothing but lycra and a wispy little helmet”?

I guess people say all kinds of stupid shit, but jeez on a trapeze…

@LA Dave

+1. Great article Wiscot – thank you.

What he said.

Concur. Fine writing, +V.

Next time some dickwad objects to doping because “it puts riders’ health at risk” remind them that there was a time when riders gave two fingers to win.

What a great image of Hinault, I had not heard this before. Great read. Thank you for the article!

+1. Great article Wiscot – thank you.

What he said.

+1. Great article Wiscot – thank you.