Bernard Hinault, a former French professional cyclist and one of the greatest cyclist of all time, have a net worth of $75 million. Hinault will be sponsoring the 2023 Loiret cycling tour.
Born on November 14, 1954, in Yffiniac, France, he was raised by his family in a cottage named La Clôture. His cycling journey began in the Brittany metropolitan city, West-France.
Later in the year 1975, he joined a professional French cycling team, the Gitane-Campagnolo.
He became victorious 147 times and received several awards during his career, earning him the nickname “le blaireau” or “the badger.”
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
| Full Name | Bernard Hinault |
| Birth Date | 14th of November 1954 |
| Birth Place | Official, France |
| Nicknames | The Badger, The Boss |
| Nationality | French |
| Education | A technical college in Saint-Brieuc |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Father’s Name | Joseph Hinault |
| Mother’s Name | Lucie Hinault |
| Siblings | Pierre Hinault, Gilbert Hinault & Josianne Hinault |
| Age | 69 Years Old |
| Height | 5’8″/1.74 m/174 cm |
| Weight | 62 Kg/137 lb. |
| Shoe Size | 13 |
| Profession | Former Professional Cyclist, Actor, Farmer |
| Net Worth | $75 Million |
| Married | December 1974 |
| Spouse | Martine Hinault |
| Children | Mickael & Alexandre |
| Salary | N/A |
| Social Media | N/A |
| Merch | Road Racing: Technique and Training (Book), Hinault |
| Last Update | April 2024 |
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 as of April 2024. At the start of his career, his first income was about $2,773.40.
Other than his profession, the French cyclist also generates income through other sources like endorsement deals with other companies and investment in the stock market.
His fortune is also invested in substantial property holdings, and he deals with CoverGirl cosmetics.
Besides, Bernard owns a restaurant named Fat Hinault Burger in Paris. He also partnered with an alcohol company and produced and launched his own Vodka ‘Pure Wonderhinault France.’
Perfume & More
Bernard also has his own line of perfume called With Love From Bernard, which is a top seller.
Additionally, Hinault has entered the fashion world and opened his own fashion collection called the “Bernard Hinault Seduction.”
Currently, he is living his post-retirement life and spends his time at the farm. He also works for race organizer ASO.
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
The bike he owns and used in most of his race is “the vintage 1986 La Vie Claire.” Besides him, this bike is used by riders like Greg LeMond and the rest of the La Vie Claire squad.
Bernard has also promoted many bikes, including the LOOK E765 Optimum. This 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; 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 cyclist 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.
Lifestyle & Vacations
The French cyclist is someone who likes to keep his personal life private as much as possible. Therefore, we do not see many of Bernard’s lifestyle updates on social media.
What we do know about Bernard is that he is a retired cyclist and loves to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
When asked about his favorite activity to do at home, Bernard said 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.
Furthermore, Hinault loves traveling and is frequently seen visiting different holiday destinations with his family and friends.
Charity Works
The French cyclist is very active when it comes to charity events. He has often hosted races, traveled for charity rides, and supported many children.
In the year 2015, Hinault traveled to the USA for charity rides in the state of Atlanta and Orlando. This event was organized by Bikes and Life, a 62-mile-long event led by Hinault.
Everyone was very excited to see the champion himself supporting and motivating them. All the proceedings from the event were 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 participation in sports and finding joy in exercises and cycling.
Hinault said, “My hope is to see more young people on bikes, participating in races and winning races.”
He even gifted bicycles to two foster children to motivate them. He is seen as a motivating figure to all aspiring young and veteran cyclists.
Immediate Response During The Pandemic
During the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis caused by it, Bernard 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.
Movies, Investments, & Book Publications
Along with cycling, we have seen Hinault 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 fantastic edition in filmography happen 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, is fond of books, literature, and writing as well.
Some of the books published by Bernard Hinault include “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.
Career
“I race to win, not to please people.” – Bernard Hinault
Hinault started his amateur cycling career in his native Brittany, and after a successful amateur career, he joined the Gitane team in 1974. He began competing professionally in 1975.
He took breakthrough victories at the Liège–Bastogne–Liège classic and the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré stage race in 1977.
Likewise, he won his first two rand Tours: the Vuelta a España and the Tour de France.
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.
He continued his Tour 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
Three Facts About Bernard Hinault
- Bernard has never tested positive for any drugs that athletes mostly use to enhance their performance. And 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
- “Every day, there’s something that reminds me why I love this sport.”
- “I may, however, begin riding again when I am 60.”
- “I have the impression that cycling is no longer a game but rather employment… a job.”
- “Illegal drug use runs contrary to the image of health depicted by cycling. Furthermore, distributors of these drugs must be prosecuted more harshly as they are criminals.”
Popularity
The former French professional cyclist has gained a lot of fans from his professional cycling years and also from appearing in different movies.
The above image shows the fluctuating popularity trend based on Google searches in the United States over a year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Why is Bernard Hinault also called “the Badger”?
For all the fans out there, you must be wondering what badger means, right? Well, the word “Badger” comes from the word “le blaireau,” which is a type of animal. While on the bike, he portrayed an aggressive role, just like the said animal. Thus, the name “Badger.”
