LEMOND OPENS UP ABOUT RELATIONSHIP WITH HINAULT | RDMN CLIPS

Greg LeMond sets the record straight on his complex relationship with Bernard Hinault, revealing the truth behind their 1985 and 1986 Tours de France. From their initial bond when LeMond turned pro at 18, to the shocking betrayal and alleged collusion during the 1986 race, LeMond unpacks decades of hurt, deception, and the high cost of trusting a teammate who became a rival.

Key Takeaways

• Hinault wasn't the villain in 1985 — team director Guimard and teammate Kleyker sabotaged LeMond by lying about race gaps and coordinating strategy against him, not Hinault himself
• LeMond would have won the 1986 Tour if not for a coordinated conspiracy between Hinault's supporters, Reynolds team, and even a mechanic allegedly asked to sabotage his bike in the time trial
• Having two legitimate Tour-level winners on one team was exceptionally rare and required careful trust — a dynamic that backfired when Hinault's ego and supporters undermined the agreement
• The post-race embrace and stage concession on L'Alpe d'Huez were strategic relief and appeasement of team management, not genuine reconciliation between the two riders
• LeMond learned the hard way that even admired mentors and friends will prioritize ego and legacy over loyalty when a sixth Tour de France victory becomes within reach

Expert Quotes

"He would stick to his words if he said he's going to split the prize money he was going to do it... he was truly a hero but I admired him as a person."

"It wasn't Hinault holding me back, it was the team. That's who I was upset with."

"He said no, it's not over till the time trial. I wish you would have said that at the bottom because honestly I was so much better than he was that day — I would have dropped him so easily on Alpe d'Huez."