The 1986 Tour had all the ingredients: a pre-race pact between teammates, a betrayal played out in full view, and a high-mountain showdown that felt more like theatre than sport.
Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault, the apprentice and the master, the successor and saboteur. The future versus the past.

Sabotage or strategy?

In 1985, LeMond had sacrificed his own chances to help Hinault take his fifth Tour title. A pact was agreed: Hinault would return the favour the following year. But once the 1986 race began, Hinault attacked at every opportunity – sometimes under the guise of helping, more often looking to win the race himself.

He later claimed it was all part of the plan. That LeMond had to prove himself. That he was simply hardening him for the fight ahead. Whether it was sabotage or strategy depends on your point of view.

What followed was a race full of tension. LeMond held the jersey. Hinault chipped away, stage after stage, launching attacks that forced LeMond to respond again and again. It was less a passing of the torch than an arm-wrestle. LeMond cried foul, Hinault essentially told him to man up - that he was allowing LeMond to prove himself worthy. And after all, only the truest of champions could beat the great Hinault.

The final act

Stage 18 took them to Alpe d’Huez – the most iconic climb in the race, and the perfect setting for the final act. The pair rode clear of the field, cresting the mountain together and crossing the line arm in arm, a carefully staged image of unity that fooled no one. Hand in hand, with knives firmly in backs and fingers lovingly wrapped around each other’s throats.

It was pure racing, a power struggle on two wheels, played out on the melting Alpine roads and in the morning editions of l’Equipe. Just imagine the polemica today, in the social media age!

For many, the 1986 Tour remains the sport’s high-water mark. No race radios, power data, helmets or sunglasses. Just instinct, ambition, and legs, and a pre-race pact left in tatters.

Looking back, maybe Hinault was right. Alpe ‘86 went down in legend, and LeMond conclusively proved his greatness. Would we all still talk about that day had The Badger simply played the role of compliant teammate?

Introducing Top Ten Tees: Alpe ’86

To launch our new Top Ten Tees series, we’re paying tribute to this unforgettable stage.

Each tee in the range features the top ten riders from a classic cycling day – one tee per month, available for just ten days. Once the window closes, it’s archived for good.

We’re kicking things off with Alpe ’86, and a design that blends bold streetwear energy with a heavy dose of ‘80s cycling mythology. Inspired by classic concert merch, it features half-tone textures, punchy red and black type, and a full back print of the day’s top ten.

Screen printed using water-based inks on our 220gsm premium white base tee. Chest print. Woven neck and hem labels. And our embroidered ‘Fausto’ heron stitched into the heart.

It’s a new approach for us - more sustainable, made to order, and truly limited edition. No deadstock. No waste. Just the tees you order – and nothing more.

The Details

• Top Ten Tees: Alpe ’86
• Available now - for ten days only - last day 03.8.25
• Delivery begins 7 days after the window opens

Love it? Then you've got ten days before it's archived forever.

Shop Top Tens now