Bernard Hinault admits he would not talk to Lance Armstrong if he were to meet him, claiming the American has ‘become a stain on his glorious cycling memories’, according to AFP.

The five-time Tour de France winner, who turns 60 on Friday (November 14) believes Armstrong’s actions have given cycling an unfair reputation, with the sport always under the spotlight.

>> Save up to 31% with a magazine subscription. Enjoy the luxury of home delivery and never miss an issue <<

“They should look at all sports,” he told AFP. “Cycling is no more rotten than the others. People are always picking on cycling.”

“If I met [Armstrong] today I would not talk to him. I would not even say hello.”

As for his own cycling memories, Le Patron – the last French winner of the Tour – admits his achievements have given him a dream life; one he would not change for anything.

After retiring at the age of 32 to take up a public relations role with Tour de France organiser ASO, Hinault gave up the opportunity to win an unprecedented sixth Tour title.

“If tomorrow, you asked me ‘you are 20 you start again’, I would restart the same life,” he said. “I have a dream life, I wish everyone could have a life like me,” he continued.

“Would I have been happier if I had done two years more. I could have won the Tour again. But I don’t have a single regret.”

Source: AFP