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
The Tour de France is a race like no other, so perhaps it's no surprise that it attracts racers like no other. The winner of the second Tour actually came fifth – but the four racers before him were disqualified for cheating. The 1932 champion credits his win with saving him from capture by the Nazis, as the soldiers recognised him from the podium. One of Britain's best cyclists of the modern era only got into European racing by forging an email. Tour de France Champions is a journey to the summit of cycling, looking at those who have taken on the roads and mountains of France to prevail above all others and win cycling's greatest prize. Giles Belbin presents the stories of all those who have claimed the original and greatest Grand Tour, the one race that still transcends the sport of cycling: the Tour de France.
The Official History of the Tour de France is a celebration of one of the greatest annual sporting events, and the premier competition in world cycling. Through more than 300 photographs, rarely-seen documents and items of memorabilia, this book covers more than a century of fascinating stories on the Tour and its iconic yellow jersey. This revised and updated edition includes an authoritative narrative account of each major era, up to and including the thrilling 2020 Tour - a dramatic contest completed against all the odds - and a preview of the 2021 event. There are features on superstar cyclists and memorable moments from each period of the event's rich history, and a foreword from legendary Tour de France champion Stephen Roche, all of which combines to form the definitive illustrated book on the Tour.
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.
🚴♂️📚 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! 🚴♂️🚴♀️📘
The Tour de France is a race like no other, so perhaps it’s no surprise that it attracts racers like no other.The winner of the second Tour actually came fifth – but the four racers before him were disqualified for cheating.The 1932 champion credits his win with saving him from capture by the Nazis, as the soldiers recognised him from the podium.One of Britain’s best cyclists of the modern era only got into European racing by forging an email.Tour de France Champions is a journey to the summit of cycling, looking at those who have taken on the roads and mountains of France to prevail above all others and win cycling’s greatest prize. Giles Belbin presents the stories of all those who have claimed the original and greatest Grand Tour, the one race that still transcends the sport of cycling: the Tour de France.
'Ah, I remember you: you're the guy who lost the Tour de France by eight seconds!' 'No monsieur, I'm the guy who won the Tour twice. The international bestselling autobiography of the legendary French cyclist Laurent Fignon Two-time winner of the Tour de France in the early eighties, Laurent Fignon became the star for a new generation. In the 1989 tour, he lost out to his American arch-rival, Greg LeMond, by an agonising eight seconds. In this revealing account, the former champion spares nobody, not even himself, and pulls back the curtain on what really went on behind the scenes of this epic sport - the friendships, the rivalries, the betrayals, the parties, the girls and, of course, the performance-enhancing drugs. Fignon's story bestrides a golden age in cycling: a time when the headlines spoke of heroes, not doping, and a time when cyclists were afraid of nothing. ‘Sports book of the year: He's ruthlessly honest, about himself and about cycling, and he provides a gripping insight into an unrelenting hard world’ Independent
“Greg LeMond was Lance Armstrong before Lance Armstrong . . . the story of a true hero . . . This is a must read if you believe in miracles.”―John Feinstein, New York Times–bestselling author In July 1986, Greg LeMond stunned the sporting world by becoming the first American to win the Tour de France, the world’s pre-eminent bicycle race, defeating French cycling legend Bernard Hinault. Nine months later, LeMond lay in a hospital bed, his life in peril after a hunting accident, his career as a bicycle racer seemingly over. And yet, barely two years after this crisis, LeMond mounted a comeback almost without parallel in professional sports. In summer 1989, he again won the Tour—arguably the world’s most grueling athletic contest—by the almost impossibly narrow margin of 8 seconds over another French legend, Laurent Fignon. It remains the closest Tour de France in history. “[A] blend of chaos, kindness and cruelty typifies the scenes that journalist de Visé brings to life in this sympathetic-verging-on-reverential retelling of LeMond’s trailblazing career (first American to enter the tour, first to win it) . . . As an author in quest of his protagonist’s motivation, [de Visé] subjects it to extreme torque.”—The Washington Post “A great book . . . Well written and thoroughly researched . . . Engrossing and hard to put down. If you’re a Greg LeMond fan, The Comeback is a must read because it’s a detailed accounting of his career and―more importantly―his life and person off the bike. It’s also an important reminder that American cycling did not begin and end with Lance Armstrong.”—PEZ
Johan Bruyneel knows what it takes to win. In 1998, this calculating Belgian and former professional cyclist looked Lance Armstrong in the eye and said, "Look, if we’re going to ride the Tour, we might as well win." In that powerful phrase a dynasty was born.We Might AsWellWin takes readers behind the scenes and inside the team car, as Bruyneel reveals the planning, training, strategy, and tactics that led to a record seven Tour de France victories with Armstrong and an eighth with Alberto Contador. Through thrilling stories of his own racing career and those of the cyclists he has guided during his extraordinary career, Bruyneel reveals the keys to victory both in cycling and in life. This paperback edition includes a new afterword on the 2008 season, with Bruyneel’s reflections on his record eleventh grand tour victory at the Giro d’Italia and the exclusion of his team Astana from the 2008 Tour de France.
