The First Tour de France

The First Tour de France

Author: Peter Cossins

Publisher: Bold Type Books

Published: 2017-06-06

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 1568589859

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From its inception, the 1903 Tour de France was a colorful affair. Full of adventure, mishaps and audacious attempts at cheating, it was a race to be remembered. Cyclists of the time weren't enthusiastic about participating in this "heroic" race on roads more suited to hooves than wheels, with bikes weighing up to thirty-five pounds, on a single fixed gear, for three full weeks. Assembling enough riders for the race meant paying unemployed amateurs from the suburbs of Paris, including a butcher, a chimney sweep and a circus acrobat. From Maurice "The White Bulldog" Garin, an Italian-born Frenchman whose parents were said to have swapped him for a round of cheese in order to smuggle him into France as a fourteen-year-old, to Hippolyte Aucouturier, who looked like a villain from a Buster Keaton movie with his jersey of horizontal stripes and handlebar moustache, the cyclists were a remarkable bunch. Starting in the Parisian suburb of Montgeron, the route took the intrepid cyclists through Lyon, over the hills to Marseille, then on to Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Nantes, ending with great fanfare at the Parc des Princes in Paris. There was no indication that this ramshackle cycling pack would draw crowds to throng France's rutted roads and cheer the first Tour heroes. But they did; and all thanks to a marketing ruse, cycling would never be the same again.


Le Tour

Le Tour

Author: Geoffrey Wheatcroft

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 420

ISBN-13: 0743449924

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When Henri Desgrange began a new bicycle road race in 1903, he saw it as little more than a temporary publicity stunt to promote his newspaper. The 60 cyclists who left Paris to ride through the night to Lyons that first July had little idea they were pioneers of the most famous of all bike races, which would reach its centenary as one of the greatest sporting events on earth. Geoffrey Wheatcroft's masterly history of the Tour de France's first hundred years is not just a hugely entertaining canter through some great Tour stories; nor is it merely a homage to the riders whose names—Coppi, Simpson, Mercx, Armstrong—are synonymous with the event's folly and glory. Focusing too on the race's role in French cultural life, it provides a unique and fascinating insight into Europe's 20th century.


When Heroes Were Giants

When Heroes Were Giants

Author: James Witherell

Publisher: Sunbury Press, Incorporated

Published: 2014-06

Total Pages: 550

ISBN-13: 9781620064061

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By far the most complete history of the Tour de France ever written--in any language--When Heroes Were Giants: 101 Tours de France takes the reader into the heart of every "Grande Boucle" (Big Loop) held since 1903. Exhaustively researched over the past fifteen years, this account of the world's greatest sporting event not only covers every race in great detail, it also explores how the Tour de France became a country's national obsession--and why. Draconian rules, bitter rivalries, and even sabotage are all part of the Tour's colorful history, and When Heroes Were Giants captures all of the event's action and drama. Every chapter opens with a look into feuds, collaborations, and other subplots that often had a direct bearing on the outcome of the race. The recounting of each Tour de France then includes every stage of every race, often punctuated with colorful quotes from the riders, the journalists, and even the race officials. At the end of each race is a comprehensive set of results that includes the winner of every major classification (plus a few minor ones), prize money, and even details about the race-winning bicycle. For the Tour de France trivia buff the story of each race also includes a complete rundown of changes made and milestones achieved during that particular event. These interesting tidbits run the gamut, detailing every Tour-related fact from superlatives to oddities, and even superhuman efforts--some of which turned out to be too good to be true. Any fan of the Tour de France can't help but be intrigued by this book; from the heroes and villains of the great race to the riders who struggled just to start, it's all here -- including a preview of the 2014 race.


Tour de France

Tour de France

Author: Christopher S. Thompson

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 2008-03-08

Total Pages: 436

ISBN-13: 9780520934863

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In this highly original history of the world's most famous bicycle race, Christopher S. Thompson, mining previously neglected sources and writing with infectious enthusiasm for his subject, tells the compelling story of the Tour de France from its creation in 1903 to the present. Weaving the words of racers, politicians, Tour organizers, and a host of other commentators together with a wide-ranging analysis of the culture surrounding the event including posters, songs, novels, films, and media coverage Thompson links the history of the Tour to key moments and themes in French history. Examining the enduring popularity of Tour racers, Thompson explores how their public images have changed over the past century. A new preface explores the long-standing problem of doping in light of recent scandals.


The Tour De France, 1903-2003

The Tour De France, 1903-2003

Author: Hugh Dauncey

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2004-08-02

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 1135762392

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This book analyses the Tour de France over its long history both as France's most prestigious and famous sporting event and as a European and, increasingly, a world cycling competition. This study provides interdisciplinary and varied perspectives on the sporting, cultural, social, economic and political significance of the Tour within and outside France, giving a comprehensive and authoritative investigation of up-to-the minute thinking on what the Tour means, now and in the past, to competitors, to France, to the French public, to the cultural history of sport, and the sport of cycling itself.


Le Tour: A History of the Tour de France

Le Tour: A History of the Tour de France

Author: Geoffrey Wheatcroft

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2013-06-20

Total Pages: 556

ISBN-13: 1471128954

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Geoffrey Wheatcroft's hugely entertaining and well researched history of the Tour de France is already established as the definitive account of cycling's greatest event. Since the book was last published in 2007, much has changed. Bradley Wiggins' historic victory in 2012 - the first Briton ever to secure the yellow jersey - brought him a knighthood and garnered more interest in the race than ever before. Yet the months after were dominated by an even bigger story, as Tour legend and seven-time winner Lance Armstrong was stripped of his titles and confessed on Oprah to doping in each of his victories. Suddenly, everything that we thought we knew had happened was no longer true. In this new and comprehensively revised edition of the book, Wheatcroft not only brings his story of the Tour fully up to date to mark the race's 100th running in 2013, he also reflects on the changes brought about by the scandals that have rocked the sport to its core. Yet for all the controversies of modern times, he vividly captures the essential glory and romance of the heroes who battle to conquer one of sport's greatest challenges.


Tour De France Champions 1903-2023

Tour De France Champions 1903-2023

Author: A.J. Kingston

Publisher: A.J. Kingston

Published:

Total Pages: 412

ISBN-13: 1839384077

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🚴‍♂️📚 Discover the Unforgettable Journey of Tour de France Champions! 🚴‍♀️📚 The Ultimate Tour de France Book Bundle: Pedaling Through the Centuries Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey through the captivating history of Tour de France? Look no further! Introducing the "Tour de France Champions: Pedaling Through the Centuries" book bundle, a four-book collection that will immerse you in the epic tales of triumph, grit, and glory that have shaped the world's most prestigious cycling race. Book 1 - Pedaling Through History: The Early Heroes of Tour de France (1903-1930) Step back in time and witness the dawn of a cycling legend! In this captivating volume, we delve into the awe-inspiring accounts of the early pioneers who braved uncharted roads and grueling terrains to become the heroes of the first-ever Tour de France. From heart-stopping rivalries to historic victories, relive the moments that laid the foundation for a race that would change the world of sports forever. Book 2 - Wheels of Triumph: A Golden Era in Tour de France (1950-1975) Experience the exhilaration of the Tour's golden era as we take you on a thrilling ride through cycling's most enthralling period. Revisit the legendary battles for the yellow jersey, witness the meteoric rise of cycling titans, and revel in the breathtaking moments that defined an unforgettable era of dominance and drama. Book 3 - Breaking Barriers: Women Champions of Tour de France (1977-2005) Get ready to be inspired by the extraordinary stories of fearless women who broke down barriers in a male-dominated sport. Celebrate the courage, determination, and unwavering spirit of the women who defied the odds to compete on the grandest stage of cycling. From their uphill struggles to the groundbreaking moments of victory, this volume shines a spotlight on the trailblazers who changed the face of women's cycling forever. Book 4 - Legends of the Modern Peloton: Tour de France Winners (1990-2023) Zoom into the modern era of the Tour de France, where technological advancements, fierce rivalries, and global talent converge to create an unparalleled spectacle. Discover the electrifying tales of the contemporary champions who have etched their names in cycling lore. From record-breaking feats to stunning comebacks, this volume celebrates the superstars who continue to shape the Tour's legacy in the 21st century. 🚀 Why Choose "Tour de France Champions"? 🚀 🏆 Immerse Yourself in History: Take an unprecedented ride through the milestones and defining moments that have shaped the Tour de France over 120 thrilling years. 🚴‍♀️ Embrace Empowerment: Be inspired by the courageous women who shattered stereotypes and paved the way for gender equality in professional cycling. 🌍 Global Impact: Witness the evolution of a race that transcends borders and captures the hearts of millions worldwide. 🎯 Unforgettable Stories: Experience the highs and lows of the champions who conquered the grueling stages and left an indelible mark on the world of cycling. 📚 Comprehensive Collection: Dive deep into the complete anthology, covering every epoch of the Tour de France from its inception to the modern-day. ⭐ Secure Your Tour de France Champions Bundle Today! ⭐ Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own the ultimate Tour de France book bundle that spans the entire century of cycling history. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the sport, an aspiring cyclist, or simply an enthusiast of legendary tales, this collection is a must-have addition to your library. Click the "Add to Cart" button now to secure your Tour de France Champions bundle and begin the epic journey of "Pedaling Through the Centuries" today! Happy reading and may the spirit of the Tour guide you on a thrilling adventure! 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️📘


Tour de Force

Tour de Force

Author: Mark Cavendish

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.

Published: 2022-07-12

Total Pages: 221

ISBN-13: 1728265339

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From illness and mental health challenges to becoming the most successful British cyclist at the age of 22, Mark Cavendish shares his inspiring account of his record-breaking rise to the top of the world's biggest cycling stage at the 2021 Tour de France. Deep down, Mark Cavendish thought he was finished. After illness, setbacks and clinical depression, the once fastest man in the world had been written off by most. And at the age of 36, even he believed his explosive cycling career would fade out with a whimper. The Manxman hadn't won a single Grand Tour stage in Italy, Spain, or France since 2016. But then came his incredible resurrection at the 2021 Tour de France. Included on the Deceuninck Quick-Step team at the very last minute, only after Sam Bennett suffered an injury, Mark set about rewriting history. He claimed back the green jersey he first wore in 2011, and his four stage victories finally saw him matching Belgian legend Eddy Merckx's all-time record of 34 Tour de France stage wins. Cycling greats are never content, and Cavendish's dogged determination and inner strength had earned him the record that few believed he could ever achieve. This is his own intimate account of that race, right from the saddle of the miracle tour. Praise for Tour de Force: "The greatest comeback in sports history." —GQ magazine "A miracle." —Eddy Merckx