Bernard Thévenet, French cyclist and sportscaster

Bernard Thévenet: A Definitive Figure in Cycling History and Conqueror of Eddy Merckx

Bernard Thévenet (French pronunciation: ​[bɛʁ.naʁ te.və.nɛ]; born on January 10, 1948, in Saint-Jean-de-Moirans, Isère, France) is an iconic retired professional cyclist, whose career in the 1970s left an indelible mark on the sport. He is widely celebrated for his resilience and strategic prowess in the most demanding stage races.

Early Foundations: The ACBB Paris Years

Thévenet's formative years in cycling began with the Amateur Cycliste de Boulogne-Billancourt (ACBB Paris), a highly esteemed French amateur cycling club. Renowned as a crucial incubator for future professional talent, ACBB provided a rigorous training ground and a springboard for numerous French champions, equipping Thévenet with the fundamental skills and endurance required for a demanding professional career.

The Zenith of His Career: Two Tour de France Victories

Bernard Thévenet solidified his legendary status by winning the prestigious Tour de France twice, first in 1975 and again in 1977. These victories were not merely individual triumphs but significant historical moments in the narrative of professional cycling.

• 1975 Tour de France: Ending the Reign of Eddy Merckx: His victory in the 1975 Tour is perhaps his most celebrated achievement. This was the year Thévenet famously brought an end to the unprecedented dominance of the Belgian cycling titan, Eddy Merckx, often hailed as the greatest cyclist of all time. Merckx was aiming for a record-breaking sixth Tour title, but Thévenet, displaying exceptional strength and tenacity, particularly in the challenging Alpine stages, capitalized on Merckx's fading form and a pivotal incident on the slopes of the Puy de Dôme where Merckx was physically assaulted by a spectator. Thévenet ultimately seized the yellow jersey, preventing Merckx from achieving his historic milestone and signaling a significant shift in the sport's hierarchy.
• 1977 Tour de France: Consolidating His Legacy: Thévenet's second Tour de France triumph in 1977 further cemented his position as a dominant force in Grand Tour racing. This victory underscored his consistent ability to perform at the highest level and successfully manage the immense physical and mental demands of a three-week race, proving his status as a legitimate multiple champion rather than a singular phenomenon.

Other Notable Successes: The Critérium du Dauphiné

Beyond his Tour de France successes, Thévenet demonstrated his exceptional stage-racing capabilities by winning the Critérium du Dauphiné (then known as the Dauphiné Libéré) in consecutive years, 1975 and 1976. This week-long race is highly regarded as a critical warm-up event for the Tour de France due to its challenging mountainous parcours, serving as a key indicator of a rider's form and readiness for the rigors of Grand Tour competition. His double victory here affirmed his consistent top-tier performance in the mid-1970s.

The Complicated Legacy: Admission of Steroid Use

While Bernard Thévenet's on-bike achievements are irrefutable, his legacy is notably complex due to his later admission of using steroids during his professional career. This candid confession, made at a time when anti-doping controls were less sophisticated and the understanding of performance-enhancing drugs was still evolving, inevitably casts a shadow over some of his greatest triumphs.

It is crucial to contextualize this admission within the era in which Thévenet competed. The 1970s, much like other periods in cycling history, were unfortunately marked by widespread doping practices, often an open secret within the professional peloton. Thévenet himself was hospitalized in July 1977, experiencing liver problems which he subsequently attributed to steroid use. His public admission contributes to the broader, ongoing discussion about the integrity, challenges, and historical realities of professional cycling, reflecting a systemic issue prevalent across many sports during that period.

Bernard Thévenet's Enduring Impact on Cycling

Despite the controversies that surround parts of his career, Bernard Thévenet remains an indelible figure in the annals of cycling. His bold riding style, combined with his pivotal role in challenging and ultimately breaking Eddy Merckx's formidable reign, secures his place as a memorable champion. He is remembered as a resilient competitor who, through sheer determination and athletic prowess, etched his name among the elite winners of the world's most gruelling and prestigious cycling event, the Tour de France.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bernard Thévenet

When was Bernard Thévenet born?

Bernard Thévenet was born on January 10, 1948.

How many times did Bernard Thévenet win the Tour de France?

He won the Tour de France twice, in 1975 and 1977.

Who did Bernard Thévenet famously defeat in the Tour de France?

He is most famous for ending the reign of five-time Tour de France champion Eddy Merckx during the 1975 race.

Did Bernard Thévenet admit to doping during his career?

Yes, Bernard Thévenet later admitted to using steroids during his professional cycling career, a reflection of the challenges regarding doping prevalent in that era of the sport.

What other major races did Bernard Thévenet win?

He won the Critérium du Dauphiné (then Dauphiné Libéré) in both 1975 and 1976, a significant warm-up race for the Tour de France.