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Bernard Hinault and the Fall and Rise of French Cycling

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Bernard Hinault and the Fall and Rise of French Cycling

By: William Fotheringham
Narrated by: Joseph Kloska
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About this listen

Bernard Hinault is one of the greatest cyclists of all time. He is a five-time winner of the Tour de France and the only man to have won each of the Grand Tours on more than one occasion.

Three decades on from his retirement, he remains the last Frenchman to win the Tour de France. His victory in 1985 marks the turning point when the nation who had dominated the first eight decades of the race they had invented suddenly found they were no longer able to win it.

Hinault is the last ‘old-school’ champion: a larger-than-life character from a working-class background, capable of winning on all terrains, in major Tours and one-day Classics. Nicknamed the 'Badger' for his combative style, he led a cyclists’ strike in his first Tour and instigated a legendary punch-up with demonstrators in 1982 while in the middle of a race. Hinault's battles with team-mates Laurent Fignon and Greg LeMond provide some of the greatest moments in Tour history.

In Bernard Hinault and the Fall and Rise of French Cycling, number-one best-selling author William Fotheringham finally gets to the bottom of this fascinating character and explores the reasons why the nation that considers itself cycling’s home has found it so hard to produce another champion.

©2015 William Fotheringham (P)2015 Random House Audiobooks Cycling Sports Triathlon

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All stars
Most relevant  
A fantastic book about one of the greatest cyclists, uncovering some of interesting points about French cycling

A superb glimpse in to a cycling legend

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Only very slightly marred by the mispronunciation of key names, e.g. Koechli. Fotheringham, who lived and raced in France for 2 years, and has reported on cycling for more than 20, is informed, perceptive & witty.

Well written appreciation of France's greatest male cyclist

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My favourite cyclist (Sorry Eddy), Bernard Hinault never once compromised his beliefs and values, the last true patron of the peleton, as a neo-pro he must have been inspiring and terrifying to ride with. Stubborn and immovable, the respect he gained from his peers is well deserved, as is his reputation as a cyclist capable of imposing his will and defiance on the whole field not just his closest rivals. Fotheringham's excellent book (as are his other books) portrays Hinault how you would imagine he really is, proud yet disconnected, honourable yet treacherous, a true winner who cared little for the prize, but rather the means, there's no one like him now or before. France may not have to wait so long for another tour winner, but they will never see another like Hinault.

Never corner a badger.

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Well worth listening to. One of the greatest to ever ride a bike, long live the next Bernard Hinault.

Brilliance of The Badger

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An interesting story filling in the many gaps of my knowledge. Just wish there had been a bit more of a wow factor but then Hinault Isn't a wow type of guy.

A good tale told well

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A fine journey into the mind, body & sporting life of possibly the most impressive - and proud - racing cyclist... ever. Splendidly written, this book is a must read/listen for any cycling and sports fan. It offers a deeper than usual insight into winning with panache. Highly recommended.

I, Hinault - The Badger's life

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What did you like most about Bernard Hinault and the Fall and Rise of French Cycling?

Very well written with lots of interesting analysis and detail

What other book might you compare Bernard Hinault and the Fall and Rise of French Cycling to, and why?

Other cycling books

What about Joseph Kloska’s performance did you like?

Good french pronunciation and pleasant voice to listen to

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, a lot of detail to take in

The Badger

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