Nous étions jeunes et insouciants

by Laurent Fignon

Vainqueur du Tour de France à deux reprises, Laurent Fignon entre, à 22 ans, dans la légende du cyclisme français et devient le héros de toute une génération. Il incarne la jeunesse, la fougue, l’impertinence, et rivalise avec des coureurs, comme Bernard Hinault à qui il rend un vibrant hommage. Entre 1982 et 1993, Laurent Fignon traverse l’âge d’or d’un sport épique et connaît tout ce qu’un champion hors normes peut espérer et redouter : le dépassement de soi, la gloire, une blessure grave, des périodes de doute, la tentation du dopage et le terme d’une carrière exigeante. En 1989, on le croit fini : il renaît de ses cendres, remporte le Tour d’Italie et termine le Tour de France, à la deuxième place, derrière l’Américain Greg LeMond, mieux équipé – huit secondes les séparent après 3 285 kilomètres de course. Dans ce témoignage sans concessions, l’ancien champion, devenu commentateur sportif sur France Télévisions, nous dévoile aussi, pour la première fois dans ce milieu si fermé, l’envers du décor : les fêtes, les filles, la camaraderie, les trahisons, les combines, et bien sûr le dopage… Car Laurent Fignon a vécu le cyclisme à son apogée, entre les archaïsmes d’antan et les ambiguïtés d’aujourd’hui : une époque où les cyclistes n’avaient peur de rien.

Genres: Cycling, Nonfiction, Sports, Biography, Autobiography, France, Memoir

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2009

Reviews

[Martin Mccann · Rating 4 out of 5]

While cycling provides the source for the best sports writing, French cyclists take it even further, deviating from the simple linear narrative to something more cerebal-rather than just a "this happened, then this and after that....", there is a more philosophical and historical depth, as found in Bobet's "Tomorrow, We Ride"- Fignon's autobiography continues in that tradition. He kickstarts the whole book with an honest and insightful retelling of perhaps his most (in)famous moment. losing the 1989 Tour by 8 secs to Greg Lemond (though as Fignon himself says- "I'm not the man who lost the Tour by 8 seconds-I'm the one who won it twice!")

Standing as a testament to not only his career, but his personality, following his death I feel that Fignon does play intellectual games throughout. For example he seems to hint that not everything should be taken as he has recorded it- little clues hidden in seemingly throw away remarks appear to encourage the reading to engage more actively in trying to sift out the contents. An example- despite many people knowing that his nickname was "Le Profeseur", Fignon states that he never had a nickname that stuck which seems a bit odd- the feeling is that he can't help but intellectually tease throughout the book.

Despite that, there is plenty of insight into a complex individual who has entered the hallowed pantheon of cycling legends. The personal make up and what exactly is required to win Grand Tours and Classic and be spoken of in the same breath as Hinault and Merckx are laid bare, and the personal and physical sacrifices clearly illustrated and deconstructed, placed in an intellectual framework that enhances rather than plays down the drama.

[Nick Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The autobiography of one of the men who, for a period in the 1980s, rescued French pro road cycling from the encroachments of Italians, Belgians and, almost, Americans. One of Fignon's most watched moments was his loss of the 1989 Tour de France to Californian* Greg Lemond by a mere eight seconds, and Fignon panders to the car crash watchers by beginning the book with this episode. His dignified riposte to strangers who said, "You're that bloke that lost the Tour de France by eight seconds, aren't you?" was, "No, monsieur, I'm the bloke who won it twice," putting his achievements back in the spotlight.

Fignon seemed an anachronism in the tough world of pro cycling for a while, being degree-educated - to a point, as he gave up his degree for cycling - and nicknamed 'le professeur', more for his trademark specs than anything else and, compared to many of his peers, from a fairly middle-class background. He had a rocky relationship with the press at times, and with his fellow-cyclists and managers, not being a man who was backwards about coming forwards, but he writes as honestly about his faults and failures as his achievements. A great book, I think, but one for people who are into pro cycling really, as it's difficult to get interested in the machinations behind some of the races, and some of the teams and winners, of Fignon's day. He died of cancer last October, so this is his only testament, and it's a worthy one.


*I originally wrote 'Texan', getting Lemond mixed up with another famous cyclist, for some reason...

[Gar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This an interesting read into Laurent Fignon cycling career. The book covers the cycling life very well but rarely mentions anything of his family life. I not sure if it me but he doesn't come across a like-able person in his book. He stop talking to his friend Alan because he goes to work for another team.He always complaining about the press and seem to rarely give interviews, what he expected jouranlists have to make a living by interviewing stars, he was the one the biggest cyclist of the 80's so of course they need to print articles about him in the paper, also his understanding of sport where he think the money he earned came from, from sponsors who need the events covered in the media and for people to see there brand. Business don't sponsor teams for no reason they need a return on there investment.

He complains about Lemond sticking to his wheel when Lemond was in the yellow jersey, why would you attach if you’re in the yellow jersey why not let your opponent do all the work.

I wonder how truthful the section on the drug taking is, he says he took it once and failed the test and again blaming this on his friend Alan because he wasn't there to motivate him.

But I would recommend reading it if you like cycling books.

[Gali · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I should say that I deeply regret reading this in English because the translation seemed to be wonky and word-for-word a few times. I don't know if the original version is to be blamed, or did the translator just didn't try to write this out to be a good read.

Second, I'm part of the generation of 25-30 year old French people who mainly know Fignon from his cycling commentary work for France Télévision and archive footage of his wins. While he never seemed like the happiest of chaps, this autobiography certainly destroyed any positive image I had of him. By the end, I was made to think that he was nothing more than a bitter man.

My main issue with this book is that it often focuses on throwing people under the bus before having a sentence or two saying, "but I knew it was my fault". I could only take so many people being badmouthed when it was clear that Fignon's personality was largely at fault also, as he just seemed to have a gift for antagonising others. Perhaps some other aspects of his life should have been highlighted, such as how his family/non-cycling people contributed to his personality, his life. His first wife is mentioned in four sentences, his oldest child is mentioned once, his parents aren't mentioned at all after the first few chapters. As someone who also chose not to have a standard 9-5 job and who has had family and friends step in to keep myself sane, I find it strange not to mention anyone who isn't a cyclist! It's a very restrictive view of the world... so either there is a huge chunk that's missing from this book or Fignon led a horribly sad life.

The other issue I had trouble with was how Fignon seems to contradict himself a lot when talking about drugs. There is one passage I found hilarious:
"To understand that different times in cycling cannot really be compared, you have to be aware that never, in my entire career, did anyone talk to me - or anyone near me - about ‘doping’. Occasionally someone would ask: ‘Have you taken something?’ But that was it. And most of the time, it was not viewed as cheating, which must seem completely incredible."
Possibly he didn't mean to make it sound like he was saying that it wasn't doping because it wasn't called that, but that certainly sounds like it!

The one aspect that was good was the description of the behind-the-scenes directeurs sportifs drama. So, just for that, it might be a good read.

[Jimmy Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fine insight to professional cycling and the mindset of a cerebral and outstanding athlete. Fignon was known as 'le Profesor' during his cycling career and was a big name in an era festooned with big names e.g. Hinault, Jalabert and Lemond.

Fignon was known for his forthright views and was never scared to make them known on or off the bike his confrontational nature was admired by the cycling tifosi if not by the administrators.

This is no-holds barred autobiography that will be enjoyed by all who have an interest in this elegant, savage but ultimately beautiful sport. Laurent Fignon left this world too soon but his memory will be with us forever.

[Jude Nonesuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so good. I'm clearly not feeling in a 5 star mood at the moment. But yes it basically lives up to the promise of its title throughout: reflective and often poetic, in a unique yet understated way, reflections on a past era of cycling. One of the most successful aspects, in the vein of Carson Mccullers or Tove Jansson, is how the poetry appears naturally: it stands apart from the factual recollections but seems right and appropriate; it adds an extra perspective, one of the inner life of a human, expanding the context from events to a broader realm of experience.

[Paulo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the English translation by William Fotheringham; not the French original.

Fignon was surely the last great French champion. He won Tour de France in 1983 and 1984, though Hinault (six years older than Fignon, so belonging to the previous generation) was the last French winner of the Tour in 1985. A real champion, he won his first ever race at sixteen, and the Tour de France at his first presence in the race (as the great champions as Merckx, Anquetil, Hinault or Coppi).

Having a strong personality, Fignon was somehow different from what you could find in the bunch. He was by then an example of fight and improvement, even of the romantic force of cycling. But he was, too, part of a fiction. In this book Fignon recongnizes having taken amphetamines, and he concedes that performance enhanced drugs was regular for most of the riders in the bunch.

An obsesed worker, he claims that, back in the 80's, doping could not turn an ordinary rider into a champion. However, he believes that in the 90's the stage changed and just that was possible. He suggests his former domestique Bjarne Riis as an example for this.

Fignon explains another difference between the 80's and the 90's, the interests to make a good final classification, which brought conservatism and prudence over the desire to win at all costs. He think several times about those ways to run.

With all this, and longing for past times, he had no choice but to retire. Fignon was one of the lasts examples of the previous era in cycling, and his withdrawal from pros left prevailing the golden age of EPO.

As usual, he tends to blame more on others than on himself. But there is some scent of sincerity, even a bit of courage for recongnizing having taken amphetamines himself, and stating cycling is full of doping (not saying any names directly). This is not frequent in a world of omertá like cycling is.

Besides, I find very interesting his relationship with Cirylle Guimard and with Alain Gallopin. In fact, I wish he had gone deeper into the latter. There is no much of Fignon's private life in this book, but his professional life.

PS: yes, Fignon lost 1989 Tour de France by eight seconds, and he is famous for that, but he was much more than this story.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unvarnished, yet fascinating story of a unique, iconic bicycle great, and one of the more unusual autobiographies I've read. With better editorial support (a broader perspective, less repetition, better vocabulary, and tighter editing), this book could have been a classic, but, it was a quick, fun, entertaining read nonetheless. What struck me most about the book, however was that: (1) a reader could conclude that Fignon was such a physical specimen, a legitimate freak of nature, that his success (winning the Tour de France twice, winning the Giro, winning multiple classics) owed little to hard work, discipline, determination, professionalism, and dedication to craft; (2) although Fignon was almost exactly my age, and recently died of cancer (and was dying of cancer while finishing the book), he makes no mention of his cancer or his pending demise; indeed, nothing in the book suggests his pending premature demise; (3) although Fignon appears to have strong feelings on the use of drugs in cycling, it is impossible to understand what lines he draws - he discusses drugs throughout, but seems utterly inconsistent and, frequently, incoherent, in discussing them; and (4) although Fignon discusses getting married, the birth of a son, and the demise of his (first) marriage, he never mentions the birth of his daughter, nor does he name or - in any way - indicate any relationship whatsoever with either of his children. Ultimately, a flawed, but interesting, autobiography of a unique guy in an exciting time and place....

[Jacqui N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurent Fignon (and Bernard Hinault) were my cycling heroes in the 1980s. I did some local racing, and followed the professional racing scene closely. I subscribed to Velo News and Winning magazine. I haunted the foreign magazine shelves at Out Of Town News and the News Corner in Harvard Square for L'Equipe, Mirroir du Cyclisme, and Sport80, occasionally getting lucky to find something in Paris Match, the French version of People Magazine. With all that, Laurent Fignon disclosed as much in his autobiography as he did in the peak years of his cycling career, i.e., very little about his personal life. An appropriate alternate title for this book could have been Cycling Is My Life, without exaggeration. Some chapters read like a monologue, as if in some way Fignon felt compelled to write this book to corroborate, define, and cement firmly the reputation to posterity he had long established with the public, the cycling community, and the media.

He was driven, but most champions are. Temperamental, intensely personal, "difficult to get along with," outspoken, honest almost to a fault. Fignon spares himself the least in evaluating the decisions he made during his career and afterwards, but makes few excuses for his failures. I would have been interested to read more about his training, more direct experience during races. However, I feel this book is more of a character portrayal than any kind of grassroots autobiography. Fignon was true to himself to the end. I was very sad to hear of his tragic illness and death.

[Jtomassetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Aren't you the guy who lost the Tour by 8 seconds?" he answered "No, I'm the guy who won it twice."

LAURENT FIGNON, WE WERE YOUNG AND CAREFREE was first published in French in 2009. Laurent was born in 1960 and passed away from cancer in August 2010. About the time of his death the book was translated into English by William Fotheringham. Because it was written for a French audience there is not much explanation of cycling rules and tactics or the geography of France like one would find in cycling books written specifically for American audiences.

The book is honest and blunt. During the 1989 Tour De France Laurent was given "Prix Citron" by journalist as least likable rider. In the book his unlikable attitude comes across. However, he understands that is the way he is viewed by many people and often defends his actions.

The book is very centered on Fignon’s world of cycling. Only cyclist that relate directly to his story are mentioned. The first chapter is very critical of Greg LeMond but then there is not mention of LeMond in the rest of the book. He barely mentions his family, wives or children.

I read the book quickly and I enjoyed it. I recommend it especially for those with interest European bike racing in the 1980s.

[Miguel Poveda · Rating 5 out of 5]

La autobiografía de Laurent Fignon, publicada poco antes de su muerte en 2010, es un libro que, como su autor, no deja indiferente. Desde la distancia, y más la española, Fignon siempre fue considerado un tipo pagado de sí mismo, antipático y gruñón, como enfadado con todo el mundo. También será siempre conocido por perder el Tour de 1989 frente a Greg LeMond por únicamente 8 segundos. En su historia, Fignon narra toda su trayectoria deportiva, desde sus inicios como amateur, su paso a profesional con el equipo del legendario Bernard Hinault, sus dos victorias en el Tour y otra en el Giro, y su caída en desgracia. Como no tenía pelos en la lengua suelta todo lo que piensa (que sea cierto o falso ya es otra cosa) y resulta entretenidísimo. Sus análisis del ciclismo actual coinciden con los míos, subrayando el daño del dopaje y el diseño de los recorridos, cada vez más suaves y que permiten que corredores mediocres puedan obtener más triunfos. Aunque también tiene sus típicas salidas de tono, diciendo que los ciclistas colombianos traían cocaína en sus bicis desde Colombia o que le robaron el Giro de 1984 para que venciera Moser. Un personaje único, un libro único.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pretty frank and open book from a man usually referred to as an enigma by the (largely French) press. I found Fignon's honesty refreshing though at time felt he was perhaps holding back on the truth everso slightly (part of me liked this as he was my first cycling hero). Definitely a different cycling book. Much of Fignon's focus is on the shift in cycling, first based around his relationship with the legendary Cyrille Guimard; secondly, and perhaps inevitably, in the shift in doping culture from Belgian Pot and over the counter products to the systematic and calculated use of EPO and other medically driven aids. Definitely an enjoyable read and for those who started a love affair with cycling during that age a must read.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laurent Fignon had an interesting story to tell unfortunately the way he tells it is a bit odd and I found it difficult to read. However I stuck it out and got used to the style. He was certainly a very talented rider as well as being a 'delicate' person and it's a bit sad that he will mostly be remembered as the person who lost the TDF in 1989 by 8 seconds rather then the person who won the TDF twice and also the Giro d'Italia and many other top races. The chapters on the time after his retirement were of particular interest, it must be very difficult for top athletes to move on from competition. Sadly he died in 2010 aged 50 and in the long term I hope he will be remembered for his glasses, pigtail, fantastic wins and just being that bit different from the run-in-the-mill cyclist

[Anthony Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting walk through the life of one of cycling's enigmas. I suspect he wasn't as open as he could have been about the extent of his 'preparation' as this was a time where cycling was all about attacking until you could attack no more. Fignon details a romanticised view of cycling before it became corporate and devoid of characters, in a similar way to football before the Premier League, and that makes the book stand out from the plethora of doping-centric drivel that is out there at the moment. Worth a look.

[Ryan Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurent Fignon was a true champion. He rode to win and for the love of cycling. And the end of his book he mentioned that no one ever came up to him thanking him for being an inspiration to them. As a 13 year old boy I idolized Laurent and his no-holds-bar style of riding. I was probably the only kid in my town riding around with a System U jersey on. Thank you Laurent for your candor and free spirit. You will be greatly missed.

[Michael W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that the first chapter of this book is the best stuff on professional bike racing since 'The Rider'. Very philosophical.... I love Fignon's writing style, choice of language and his topics. It's obvious that he can be qualified, similarly to Greg Lemond, as a racer who saw what started happening to the peloton in the early 1990s with 'Oxygen vector doping' as it's now known and chose to leave the sport.

[Dean Fawcett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as I'm a Fignon fan but his tendency to keep the media and fans at arms length during his career extended to this book. It would have been nice to have a greater glimpse into what made the man, apart from simply recognising himself. Sure Guimard and Gallopin were 'recognised' but you hear nothing of his family apart from a few sentences in the first couple of chapters.
A legend of the sport who will always be greatly admired nonetheless.

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent autobiography, strongly opinionated - Fignon sees his era as characterised by ineffectual doping (which couldn’t turn an also ran into a champion) and legendary exploits and the EPO era as characterised by legendary doping (which completely over turned natural form) and ineffectual racing. He argues rest days in mountainous sections of Tours have made doping worse and that races should be harder so that natural talent comes more to the fore.

[Bjørn Kleiven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice addition to cycling history and an autobiography well done, Laurent Fignon is pretty good a keeping many aspects of his life private; however between the lines and directly, there are material to fuel a parallel version with a view from la Maison.
Overall, for the cycling enthusiast it is a must read, even though biographies in Derrida's view are distortions.
Above all I like this legend of cycling, true to the core, may he mind us that our limits can exceed.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look into the life of 2 time Tour de France winner, Laurent Fignon, however, the 1989 Tour loss to Greg Lemond by just 8 seconds clearly hurts Laurent and affected the rest of the career as he was never the same. Nicknamed the Professor when racing, it’s clear that Laurent is a deep thinker about the sport and has interesting views on racing in the 21st century. He’s also open and honest about his relationship with Cyrille Guimard, manager, and doping in cycling.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

An honest if a little melancholic biography of an amazing athlete. Because of injuries, illness, and the bending of the rules by others; he never quite reached his full potential. But hey, 2 Tour de France victories is none too bad? Sadly he died last year of cancer.

[portlester · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly good read. Fignon's story is told in his own words in a refreshingly open and blameless manner. The world of the professional peleton during the seventies and eighties is opened up for all to see.

[Bill Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, A very frank and absorbing tale of atermination to succeed. Fignon does come across as someone who does not tolerate fools gladly but perhaps its that arrogance that drove him to the top of the cycling world.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are a middle aged cyclist who remembers the emergence of the TdF in the early 90s then this book is for you. Great reading about the behind the scenes attitudes but, I found it difficult to empathize or even rationalize with LF. Good reading but, Im not sure enjoyed in the right summary.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This I found to be a really good read. I was only born in the mid 1980s so while I had an understanding of alot of Fignon's achievements, there was a lot of other stuff I hadn't been aware of and this was great in that respect of bridging the gap in my knowledge.

[Martin Linkov · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slightly boring with all this repeating of the 8 seconds back in 1989.

[Paulacameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of the Tour de France.

[Philipp Wehmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keine große Literatur, aber ein interessanter Einblick in das Leben eines Radsporthelden. Und berührend angesichts der Tatsache, dass Fignon im Sommer seiner Krankheit erlegen ist.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives the reader the chance to see Laurent Fignon from a completely different point of view, and his thoughts on the sport of cycling make interesting reading..

[Declan · Rating 5 out of 5]

bought this for a flight i'm taking next week, sneaked a look at the opening chapter earlier today, alas i will need to get a new book at the airport.