The 1982 Tour de France was the 69th edition of the annual Grand Tour road cycling race. It was contested from 2 July to 25 July 1982, covering 21 stages and a prologue over a total distance of approximately 3,507 kilometres (2,179 mi). The race began in Basel, Switzerland, and concluded on the Champs‑Élysées in Paris, France.
General Classification
| Position | Rider | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Bernard Hinault | France | Renault‑Gitane |
| 2nd | Joop Zoetemelk | Netherlands | Ti‑Raleigh |
| 3rd | Phil Anderson | Australia | Renault‑Gitane |
Bernard Hinault secured his fourth Tour victory, finishing with a total time of 92 h 41 min 08 s, 3 min 17 s ahead of Joop Zoetemelk.
Classification Jerseys
| Classification | Winner | Nationality | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points (green jersey) | Sean Kelly | Ireland | Sem–France Sauvage |
| Mountains (polka‑dot jersey) | Bernard Vallet | France | Renault‑Gitane |
| Team | Renault‑Gitane | — | — |
The young rider classification was not contested in 1982, as the award was introduced later (in 1975 for the white jersey but was not consistently applied until the 1980s).
Participating Teams and Riders
- Teams: 22 professional trade teams entered the race.
- Riders started: 174 cyclists.
- Riders finished: 88 cyclists completed the entire Tour.
Notable Aspects
- Grand Départ: The race commenced outside France for the first time since 1967, with the prologue and Stage 1 starting in Basel, Switzerland.
- Mountain Stages: Key Alpine climbs included the Col du Galibier and the iconic Alpe d’Huez, while the Pyrenean mountains featured the Col du Tourmalet.
- Incidents: Bernard Hinault suffered a broken wrist after a crash on the Stage 14 climb to Alpe d’Huez but continued to race, ultimately winning the overall title.
- Technological Context: The 1982 edition featured the increasing use of aerodynamic equipment and early adoption of team radios, influencing race tactics.
Historical Context
The 1982 Tour de France is historically significant as the penultimate victory for Bernard Hinault, who would later win his fifth and final Tour in 1985. The race also highlighted the rising prominence of non‑European riders, exemplified by Australian Phil Anderson’s podium finish.
All information presented reflects documented records from established cycling archives and historical sources.
