Cycling great Hinault coming to Ireland for first time

Cycling in the West of Ireland received a massive boost today as it was confirmed that one of all-time greats of the sport Bernard Hinault will cycle in the Tour De Conamara.

The event to take place on Sunday 27th May is Irish section of the Celtic Series which takes place across Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Brittany.

Hinault, who will be cycling in Ireland for the first time ever, is remembered for winning the Tour De France five times, a feat only bettered by Lance Armstrong. He’s also remembered for his thrilling rivalry in the 1980s with Eddy Merckx and Greg Le Mond.

His rivalry with the latter is the focus of one of the most acclaimed sports books ever written, Slaying the Badger by journalist Richard Moore.

Hinault was the badger of the title, a nickname given to fit his vicious, aggressive and focused cycling style.

Here's a little reminder of that great rivalry set to some psychedelic 1980s music:

You can register online at www.celticseries.ie