"I believe there are two periods in life, one for the bike, the other for becoming active on one's work"

Bernard Hinault’s reflection on life’s stages highlights the changing priorities and identities that people experience as they grow. The phrase “one for the bike” evokes not just the literal act of cycling, but stands in for youthful dedication, passion, and the pursuit of personal excellence. For Hinault, a legendary cyclist, the bike represents a period of self-discovery and pushing physical boundaries. It is a time marked by singular focus, when energy and ambition are channeled into personal growth, competition, and dreams. Young people often throw themselves wholeheartedly into a passion or pursuit, learning hard lessons, forming their identities, and experiencing both triumph and failure.

The second period, “becoming active on one’s work,” signifies a shift towards responsibility, contribution, and legacy. It’s not necessarily about leaving passion behind but rather integrating it into broader pursuits. As individuals mature, there’s a tendency to focus less on self and more on the impact of their actions in the world. The energy once devoted to singular ambition is redirected towards building, collaborating, mentoring, or creating something lasting. This could be a career, a family, a community involvement, or creative projects that demand a different kind of dedication and perspective.

Hinault touches on the inevitability of transition. Physical prowess fades or transforms, and priorities change out of necessity or desire. The journey from personal achievement to purposeful work mirrors a universal rite of passage; youth is fleeting, but its lessons carry forward, infusing later endeavors with experience and passion. The bike becomes both a literal and metaphorical platform, propelling individuals into the next stage, where the focus turns outward.

This viewpoint acknowledges the richness of each phase. Devotion to an early passion is crucial, it shapes character, but so too is embracing the new challenges and satisfactions that come with maturity and a broader sense of purpose.