Biography of Bernard Hinault [Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Family, Salary, Award & Net worth ]

Bernard Hinault, a former french professional cyclist and one of the greatest cyclist of all time have a net worth of $75 million.

Likewise, he took the top spot on the People with Money magazine and now ranked among the 10 highest-paid athletes of 2021.

Born on November 14 of 1954 in Yffiniac, France, he was raised in a cottage named La Clôture. He is a French citizen by birth, and his journey towards cycling began in the Brittany metropolitan city, west-France.

Later in the year 1975, he joined a professional French cycling team, the Gitane-Campagnolo.

He has been victorious 147 times and has received several awards during his career, earning him the nickname le blaireau or “the badger.”

Bernard Hinault is a former French-born cyclist.

Apart from cycling, Hinault has also acted in several movies. He is currently living his post-retirement life as a farmer.

In this article, we will be covering topics of interest like Bernard’s net worth, endorsements, cars, houses, book publications, and many more.

Before that, let us look at the quick fact below.

Quick Facts

Bernard Hinault Net Worth & Investments

As a former professional French Cyclist and an actor, the net worth of Bernard Hinault is estimated to be $75 million. At the start of his career, his first income was about $2,773.40.

Other than his profession, the french cyclist also generates his income through other sources like endorsement deals with other companies and investment in the stock market.

Moreover, his fortune is also invested in substantial property holdings and also deals with CoverGirl cosmetics.

Other than these, Bernard also has many other income sources. Like owning a restaurant named Fat Hinault Burger in Paris.

Besides this, the cycler has also partnered with an alcohol company. With this, he produced and launched his own Vodka known as Pure Wonderhinault France.

Perfume and more

This does not stop here. Bernard also has his own line of perfume called With Love from Bernard, which is a top-seller.

Additionally, Hinault has also entered the fashion world and has opened his own fashion collection called the “Bernard Hinault Seduction.”

Currently, he is living his post-retirement life and earning as a farmer. He also works for race organizer ASO.

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Bernard Hinault Net Worth: House

During his professional cycling career, Hinault lived in Quessoy, close to Yffiniac, with his family. Back in the year 1983, he had bought 28 acres of land near Calorguen.

Just after his retirement, the family moved to the farm in Calorguen.

Bike & Advertisement

Moreover, the bike he owns and used in most of his race is “the vintage 1986 La Vie Claire.” Other than him, this bike is used by riders like Greg Lemond and the rest of the La Vie Claire Squad.

Bernard has also been a keen personality to promote many cycles. One of the most recent ones is LOOK E765 Optimum.

The electric bike has many different features, including a speed of 20 mph, making it easier for the bike to go uphill at a good speed. Also, the bike offers a unique pedaling experience with four modes of control.

Furthermore, the 4 control modes are OW mode, intermediate mode, and rocket mode. The power gradually accelerates upward, with OW mode being the lowest.

Then comes the intermediate mode with two different power of 125 W and 250 W. Finally, the maximum power a cycler can use in this bike is power mode with 400 W.

Additionally, the unique feature of this bike is the carbon fiber technologies that are fitted inside the bike.  

Bernard Hinault: Lifestyle and Vacations

The French cyclist is someone who likes to keep his personal life private as much as possible. So naturally, therefore, we do not see much of Bernard’s lifestyle and vacation updates on social media.

What we do know about Bernard is that he is a retired cyclist. He is a home guy now who loves to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Bernard Hinault professionally started cycling in 1974 (Source: The Guardian)

When asked about his favorite activity to do at home, Bernard answered that he loves to watch races.

Some of his favorite races to watch are The Tour of Gabon, Tour de Bretagne, and Tour of the Future. These often have a history attached to them.

Like for instance, in The Tour of Gabon, the starting of African cycling is seen.

In addition to this, Tour of the Future, also known as Tour de l’Avenir, is for the young category of kids.

Furthermore, about vacations, Hinault loves traveling. Recently, we did receive some information on his vacation.

Also, Hinault has been on a holiday vacation to the Dutch West Indies with his family and the family of his old Dutch rival Zoetemelk.

Bernard Hinault: Charity Works

The French cyclist is very active when it comes to charity events. Many times, he has hosted races, traveled for charity rides, and has supported many children.

In the year 2015, Hinault traveled to the USA for charity rides in the state of Atlanta and Orlando.

Above all, this event was organized by Bikes and life, a 62-mile long event lead by Hinault. Everyone was very excited to see the champion himself supporting and motivating them.

Moreover, the charity gathered by this event was used to support Souffles d’Espoir, a non-profit organization supporting the fight against cancer.

The fund was also donated to the Faine house, Orlando, a children’s home society that looks after foster children until they reach the age of 18.

Moreover, Bernard has also shared his experience and the benefits of exercising and sports. He emphasized a lot on participation, love for sports, and finding joy in exercises and cycling.

The Badger said,

“MY HOPE IT TO SEE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE ON BIKES, PARTICIPATING IN RACES AND WINNING RACES.”

To motivate the young children, he even gifted two foster children a bicycle each. No owner, he is seen as a motivating figure to all future cyclists younger and older.

Immediate response during the pandemic

During the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis caused by it, he joined a group of businessmen who jointly invested in the cycling equipment company Mavic.

The company had been sponsoring the Tour de France for a long time.

Bernard Hinault: Movies, Investments, and Book Publications

Along with cycling, we have seen Hinault acting in movies as well. As a French citizen, he has a love for cinema and theatre.

Till now, he has played in several short movies, documentaries, and TV series.

Some of his greatest edition in filmography happens to be: Le quepa sur la vilni (2013 short movie), Moser: Scacco al tempo (2018 documentary), Hinault (2015 TV series documentary), Vivement dimanche prochain (2012 TV series), etc.

Additionally, Bernard, just like most Frenchmen, adore books, literature, and writing as well.

Some of the books published by Bernard Hinault are “Le Tour de France: The Official Story of the World’s Greatest Cycle Race,” “Memories of the Peloton,” “La fabuleuse Histoire du Tour de France,” “Hinault” etc.

Bernard Hinault: Career

“I race to win, not to please people.”

Hinault’s career as a cyclist began when he joined the Gitane team in 1974. Due to his lead in Paris Camembert (1978), his team won the race.

Bernard Hinault professionally started cycling in 1974 (Source: The Guardian)

Thus, after receiving the advice of his friend, Cyrille Guimard, a professional cyclist, he participated in the Vuelta an Espana and beat several of the best cyclists.

Likewise, he won the race in the 1978 Tour De France, followed by repeated victory in 1979, 1981, 1982, and 1985. The Badger also won Giro d’Italia in 1980 and 1972.

Other Titles Won

• Vuelta a España winner – 1978, 1983
• World Road Race Champion – 1980
• Paris-Roubaix winner – 1981

3 Facts About Bernard Hinault

• Bernard has never tested positive against any drugs that athletes mostly use to enhance their performance. On the contrary, he has even participated in the protest against it.
• His wife Martine has served as the mayor of Calorguen.
• As a child, he was very stubborn, bold, and mischievous. He constantly started a fight with his siblings or his friends.

Quotes

FAQs

Why is Bernard Hinault also called the “Badger”?

For all the fans out there, you must be wondering what does badger means, right? Well, the word “Badger” comes from the word “le blaireau,” which is a type of animal.

While he was on the cycle, he portrayed an aggressive role just like the said animal. Thus, the name “Badger.”