Last Frenchman To Win The Tour De France
The Tour de France is one of the most grueling and prestigious cycling races in the world. It consists of 21 stages over a period of 23 days covering a distance of approximately 3,500 kilometers. It has been held annually since its inception in 1903, with the exception of the two World Wars. Over the years, it has been dominated by many legendary cyclists from different countries, but who was the last Frenchman to win the Tour de France?
Jean-Francois Bernard
Jean-Francois Bernard was born on April 8, 1962, in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, France. He turned professional in 1982 and had a successful career that spanned over a decade. He won his first stage at the Tour de France in 1986 and wore the yellow jersey for three days. However, it was in 1987 that he achieved his greatest success when he won the Tour de France. He was only 25 years old at the time, making him the youngest Frenchman to win the race.
His win was not without controversy, however. He was accused of doping, but he was cleared of any wrongdoing by the French Cycling Federation. He retired from professional cycling in 1994, and today, he works as a cycling commentator for French television.
Bernard Hinault
Bernard Hinault is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. He was born on November 14, 1954, in Yffiniac, France. He turned professional in 1975, and over the course of his career, he won five Tour de France titles – in 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, and 1985. His 1985 win was his last, and it made him the last Frenchman to win the Tour de France.
Hinault was known for his aggressive riding style and his fierce competitiveness. He was also known as "The Badger" for his tenacious personality. After his retirement from professional cycling, he worked as a consultant for French television and as a race director for the Tour de France. Today, he is still involved in cycling and serves as an ambassador for the sport.
The Future of French Cycling
Since Hinault's win in 1985, French riders have struggled to win the Tour de France. The last Frenchman to make it onto the podium was Richard Virenque in 1997. However, there is hope for the future of French cycling. In recent years, young French riders like Thibaut Pinot and Romain Bardet have shown promise, finishing in the top 5 of the Tour de France. In 2019, Julian Alaphilippe thrilled the home crowd by briefly leading the race and winning two stages. While a French victory at the Tour de France may not come immediately, French fans hope that their riders will continue to improve and eventually bring home the yellow jersey once again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bernard Hinault was the last Frenchman to win the Tour de France in 1985. While there have been many talented French riders since then, none have been able to capture the coveted yellow jersey. However, with the emergence of young riders like Thibaut Pinot and Romain Bardet, French fans remain hopeful that their country's drought will come to an end soon.