Hot off the press from Road Bike Rider is this book review. I haven't seen it yet but it sounds like it will have lots of great pictures of vintage bikes - especially my favorite, Peugeots - since they won so many Tours! Guest Book Review
Speaking of the Tour, longtime RBR subscriber Eric Snider
sent us his review of a new book he loves, The Official Tour
de France Centennial 1903-2003, published by Weidenfeld &
Nicolson ($29.95 U.S., $46.95 Canadian, 360 pages).
>> First, pass this information to someone who wants to buy you a last-minute holiday gift you'll really like!
This is a big, 10x11-inch book that chronicles the Tour with about three pages per year. There must be a thousand photos.
The text comes translated into English from L'Equipe and L'Auto, a daily journal founded in 1903 and printed on yellow paper (the predecessor to L'Equipe). These are the French sports newspapers that have documented the Tour from its beginning.
A forward by Lance Armstrong may "hot up" the book to increase sales. But among hardcore cyclists, it's the translated French articles of the day that will be the riveting attraction.
Which stages in any particular Tour were critical? How long ago was it that a flat tire meant losing minutes, not seconds? Were there always trade teams? Were mountain stages always a big part? How long was the time trial in 1948 when Gino Bartali won? (Answer: 75 miles.)
And then there are the photos. You can study them forever. Notice the bikes, tires, clothing. Notice the weather and road conditions. Look at riders' faces and physiques.
I could go on and on, just like this wonderful book. It's a bargain.
(One source for The Official Tour de France Centennial 1903-2003 is World Cycling Productions, 800/359-3107, http://www.worldcycling.com)
Daniel S. Swords
New Orleans, LA
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