Overview

• Bernard Hinault lamented that no French cyclist has won the Tour since his 1985 triumph and described the ongoing drought as a national disappointment.
• He argued that France lacks a “super champion” with the extraordinary physical attributes needed to challenge today’s elite riders.
• Hinault urged compatriots to target audacious early breakaways—even at the expense of general classification—to secure visibility and stage victories.
• The five-time champion expressed confidence that Tadej Pogacar will claim a fourth Tour de France title unless he encounters a major setback.
• As the 2025 Tour de France departs from Lille, French hopes rest on whether any domestic contender can interrupt Pogacar’s near-certain march to history.