Every summer brings attacks, high hopes, and ultimately, disappointment or regret. For 40 years, since Bernard Hinault’s triumph in 1985, French riders have been unable to claim final victory in the Tour de France. Following the Hinault’s fifth overall win, six French cyclists have reached the top 3: Hinault himself (2nd in 1986), Laurent Fignon (2nd in 1989), Richard Virenque (3rd in 1996 and 2nd in 1997), Jean-Christophe Péraud (2nd in 2014), Thibaut Pinot (3rd in 2014) and Romain Bardet (2nd in 2016, 3rd in 2017). But none have made it to the top step.
Does this lack of French victories in the Tour’s final overall standings harm the health of the event? Not at all. For four decades, the Tour’s economic model has continued to boost the finances of Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO).
“The Tour de France is a phenomenon in itself, synonymous with happy summers,” said Jean Durry, author of La Véridique Histoire des Géants de la Route (“The True Story of the Giants of the Road,” 1973). According to the sports historian, the Tour’s economy does not depend on strong performances from French riders. “The public is ecstatic if a Frenchman is in contention, but for them, it’s a celebration no matter what happens.”
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