The Tour de France has thrown up many legends over the years, but none more iconic to the French themselves than the legendary pair of Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault.

Jacques Anquetil - From the first day he seriously straddled a cycle, "Anq" had a sense of perfection most riders only dream of. For much of his career he won tours in a 'quiet' way that the public didn't appreciate. For weeks he could stay close to his enemies, and then attack in a time trial. His method of 'just enough' didn't appease those who craved bold moves. Known as ' Monsieur Chrono' for his ability to pedal with clockwork smoothness and at constant speed, Anquetil will always be known for his total dominance of the tour in the early 1960s, winning 4 consecutive tour titles from 1961-1964. He was the first rider to win the Tour on five separate occasions -- 1957, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964.

Bernard Hinault Also had a sensational cycling record. Hinault won the Tour at his first attempt and went on to match Anquetil's record of five Tour de France victories.
Nicknamed 'The Badger' because of his fighting style when cornered, Hinault was a complete rider like Merckx who could climb, sprint and time trial with the best. Hinault's record of ten Grand Tour victories is second only to Merckx. He won the tour on five separate occasions in 1985, 1982, 1981, 1979 and 1978 and was the last Frenchman to win the Tour.

This program features an in depth look at these two legendary cyclists and also includes highlights from the Tour's early heroes, Maurice Garin, Eugene Christophe, Rene Vietto and Louison Bobet as well as the 'eternal second', Raymond Poulidor.

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