Book Review: Bernard Hinault and the Fall and Rise of French Cycling

Hinault Fotheringham cover

Bernard Hinault and the Fall and Rise of French Cycling by William Fotheringham

Some say Bernard Hinault was better than Eddy Merckx. If the Belgian has a better palmarès they reckon Hinault would win if they started a fantasy race at the height of their powers. It’s amusing speculation and we’ll never know. What is more certain is that Hinault was the last rider to try and win everything, he did the Giro-Tour double but also the Worlds, Paris-Roubaix and so much more. One big factor behind this is Hinault’s forceful character.

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Double Trouble

Can Alberto Contador do the Giro d’Italia – Tour de France double? It’s the big question right now. With the Giro in our minds and in his legs, much of the talk is of managing the fatigue and peaking again in July. Surely Contador’s biggest problem isn’t the success he’s just enjoyed nor the tapering and training, it’s the challenge of trying to beat Nairo Quintana, Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali and others in July. Talk of “the double” implies a parity between the Giro and Tour that doesn’t exist.

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The Moment The Race Was Won: The Giro

Monte Ologno

Was there a winning moment? Alberto Contador won the 2015 Giro d’Italia after beating his rivals day after day, both out on the roads and in their minds. There were moments where he could have lost the race but these were used to muddle his rivals. Take the climb of Monte Ologno where Contador attacked not because he needed to or because there was a stage win waiting, he went because he wanted to teach Astana a lesson.

Contador wins the Giro after winning the Vuelta last year and now bids to win the Tour de France which starts in five weeks.

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Giro Stage 21 Preview

The final stage of the Giro. This year’s edition has seen a daily battles and drama but this is surely a procession into Milan. Still there’s a sprint finish and the points jersey is up for grabs.

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Giro Stage 19 Preview

The Queen stage of the Giro. 236km, three big climbs and almost 5,000m of vertical gain. It’s enough to turn many of the peloton into ardent anti-monarchists.

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Thanks to Prendas

Prendas Ciclismo

All sponsors get a note of thanks and it’s time to show some gratitude to Prendas Ciclismo for their support over the last month and beyond. Their ad has been here during May and they’re the retailers of the INRNG jersey, caps, armwarmers… and more.

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Giveaway Competition: Win a Wolf

Wolfie Giro mascot

“Lupo Wolfie” is the new Giro mascot for 2015. Many races have a podium plush and this one is all about supporting the wolves who roam Italy in association with the World Wildlife Fund. Now you can get your paws on one.

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Giro Stage 17 Preview

A speedy sprint stage to Switzerland. Normally this kind of stage sandwiched between the mountain stages would be reserved for the fast men but there are not many sure-fire sprinters left in the race and many riders will fancy their chances in a breakaway.

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