Pogacar gets advice from legend Hinault in doping battle (against France): "That would soothe everyone"

November 14 has not missed its mark when it comes to cycling legends. In 1954, Bernard Hinault was born in France, and Vincenzo Nibali was born in Italy in 1984. The two grew into two superpowers in stage cycling, with 14 grand tours on their palmares together.

"I intend to live to be 100," Hinault said in an interview with L'Equipe. The Frenchman won the Tour de France five times, which makes him a co-record holder. He also won the Vuelta a España twice and the Giro d'Italia three times. A phenom in the 1970s and 1980s, he also won one-day races such as Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Tour of Lombardy (several times).

"It never bothered me to repeat myself, to recount my victories," he continued. "It makes people dream because we can't do that enough in France. People don't believe me when I say I can't wait to meet my successor in the Tour de France. It will be 40 years next year, that's too long. I'd love to meet him before I'm no longer around."

Yet he is still competitive. He follows current cycling closely and dreams: "I can't help but see myself on the bike again. I would have liked to race against Tadej Pogacar but also against Eddy Merckx or Jacques Anquetil." Hinault can appreciate Pogacar's dominance; he was similar in his day. He even advises the Slovenian rider regarding the constant questions about doping: "Often these are just interpretations, always negative. I don't understand that. Why don't we ask those questions to French top athletes, who á la Pogacar win everything in other sports? In other countries, there are no doubts about him. If I were in his place, I would publicize all my physiological data; that would soothe everyone."

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Bernard Hinault alongside Julian Alaphilippe at the Tour de France

Nibali likes to watch Ayuso

Nibali, in turn, had a say in Marca. The now 40-year-old Shark of Messina is enjoying life without being a pro. "My life has changed after 18 years of competition. I am relaxed and enjoy my family. Before, I was always mentally focused because we had to be 100 percent to compete. I don't miss it. I competed for a long race and retired at the right moment."

Like Hinault, Nibali is still involved a lot in cycling. He is an ambassador for the cycling team Q36.5 and the Giro organization RCS Sport. He is still regularly on his bike and follows the sport in detail. "Pogacar was the grandest of the year; the level is incredibly high. The approach and mentality have changed; the young riders already have everything they need. At 18, they turn pro."

It is no longer his world but one he enjoys. Besides the big names, Nibali expects a lot from a Spaniard at UAE Team Emirates. "Juan Ayuso has something special. He is riding in a very high-profile team, so it is difficult. But he is brave and not shy. I like him; he is a courageous rider."

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