Blazing Saddles: The Cruel and Unusual History of the Tour De France

by Matt Rendell (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2007

  $3.25

  Few sporting contests have roused such blind passions and filthy suspicions as the Tour de France. From Lance Armstrong's incredible comeback from cancer, to Tom Simpson's death on the slopes of Mont Ventoux, the Tour has been the stage for some of sport's most monumental triumphs and the scene of some of its darkest hours. Since Maurice Garin's inaugural victory in 1903, hundreds of thousands of kilometres have been covered in pursuit of the yellow jersey - cycling's holy grail - and few have been without incident or drama. And on 7 July 2007, the whole pedalling circus is descending on London! But, will the Great British Public be ready for an invasion of neck to thigh slippery lycra, gaudy Geiger-alien headwear, aerodynamic neoprene pixyboots, and Space Age carbon fibre bicycles weighing less than a dinky toy but costing more than a family car? Not without this book, they won't. It's a no-holds-barred look at the rivalries, characters and controversies that have given century-old race its unique colour. Matt Rendell's vivid and entertaining narrative combines the Tour's golden legends with tales from its dark side, capturing the true and often surreal spirit of the world's most arduous race.

• Used

  Paperback
  2008

  $3.76

  Few sporting contests have roused such blind passions and filthy suspicions as the Tour de France. From Lance Armstrong's incredible comeback from cancer, to Tom Simpson's death on the slopes of Mont Ventoux, the Tour has been the stage for some of sport's most monumental triumphs and the scene of some of its darkest hours. Since Maurice Garin's inaugural victory in 1903, hundreds of thousands of kilometres have been covered in pursuit of the yellow jersey - cycling's holy grail - and few have been without incident or drama. Blazing Saddles is a no-holds-barred look at the wheeling and dealing, the rivalries and controversies that have given the century-old race its unique colour. Matt Rendell's vivid and entertaining narrative chronologically combines the Tour's golden legends with tales from its dark side, capturing the capture the indomitable, inimitable spirit of the world's greatest race.