Bernard Hinault

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Bernard Hinault's achievements stand as a testament to sheer dominance in the world of professional cycling. With five Tour de France victories, he ranks among the elite group of riders who have conquered the race multiple times, a feat only matched by Eddy Merckx and Jacques Anquetil. His ability to win three different Grand Tours, the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España, multiple times showcases a versatility that few have ever replicated.His record of entering thirteen Grand Tours and winning ten of them is a statistical marvel that underscores his consistency and mental fortitude. No rider since has surpassed seven Grand Tour wins, and his total of 147 professional victories remains a benchmark for success in the sport. Beyond the numbers, his impact lies in the way he redefined the expectations of a Grand Tour contender, blending raw power with tactical brilliance.

AwardsBernard Hinault's trophy cabinet is filled with prestigious accolades, reflecting his dominance across multiple disciplines. He won the Tour de France five times, the Giro d'Italia three times, and the Vuelta a España twice. He also claimed the World Road Race Championships once and the French National Road Race Championship four times. His collection includes victories in Paris-Nice, Tirreno–Adriatico, and the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, along with numerous stage wins across the Grand Tours.

Honours & Distinctions

UCI Hall of Fame Induction

Union Cycliste Internationale·2000

Inducted for exceptional achievements in cycling.

Legion of Honour

French Government·1986

Awarded the Chevalier (Knight) rank of the Legion of Honour.

Olympic Order

International Olympic Committee·1984

Received the Olympic Order for contributions to the Olympic movement through cycling.

Sportsman of the Year

French Sports Awards·Multiple

Named Sportsman of the Year in France multiple times during his active career.

Guinness World Record

Guinness World Records·1986

Held records for the most Grand Tour wins by a French rider and the most Tour de France stages won by a French rider.

Rankings & Lists

Greatest Cyclists of All Time

Cycling Weekly·2020

Greatest French Cyclist of All Time

L'Équipe·2021

#45

100 Greatest Athletes

BBC Sport·2019

#12

Greatest Sports Figures

Rolling Stone·2022

Magazine Covers

L'Équipe

July 1978

Tour de France Winner

Vélo Magazine

August 1981

Triple Crown Winner

France Football

September 1983

World Champion

Rouleur

June 2026

Hunting for The Badger

Records & Feats

Most Tour de France Wins by a French Rider

Historic First·1985

Five Tour de France victories, a record held for decades.

Most Grand Tour Wins by a French Rider

Career Milestone·1986

Ten Grand Tour wins across three races, setting a national benchmark.

Youngest Tour de France Winner (at the time)

Chart Record·1978

Won the Tour de France at age 23 in 1978, a record later surpassed.