Bernard Wins in a Runaway as Hinault-LeMond Rift Splits Team

Frenchman Jean-Francois Bernard finished by himself Saturday to win the 153-mile 16th stage of the Tour de France bicycle race, while a rift is said to be developing between teammates Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond.

Buffeted by strong winds, Bernard pedaled through the low mountains between Nimes and Gap at an average speed of 19.982 m.p.h. He finished 3:02 ahead of the pack in 7 hours 39 minutes 54 seconds.

Hinault, France’s five-time winner of the Tour, retained the overall lead. LeMond of the United States remained second, 34 seconds behind. Switzerland’s Urs Zimmermann was third overall, 2:58 back, and Britain’s Robert Millar was fourth, 3:32 off the pace.

Hinault attacked early in Saturday’s stage, leading an escape for more than 13 miles before being caught by the pack.

“I dedicate this victory to Bernard Hinault,” said Bernard, 24, a member of Hinault’s La Vie Claire team who is riding in his first Tour.

Despite the team’s fourth victory in the Tour, the rivalry between Hinault and LeMond has created a tense atmosphere on the team.

LeMond was annoyed that Hinault led the early escape, only to be later absorbed by the pack, which included Zimmermann and Belgian Claude Criquielion.

“I don’t like riding in the Tour under these conditions,” LeMond said. “The jealousies that exist on the team leave everything up in the air. I ride on morale, and you could say that they’re doing their best to sap that morale.”

News reports said the team is split between the English-speaking members who support LeMond’s bid to become the first American Tour champion and the French riders who want Hinault to win a record sixth Tour.

Today, 152 riders will run the mountainous 17th stage to Serre Chevalier. The race ends July 27.