Vive le Tour!

The Observer, July 1, 2007 "A quirky and inventive collection of history, statistics and random trivia, Brownlee's book would be perfect for whipping out of the back pocket of your cycling jersey to settle arguments or impress your friends." The Guardian, 30 June, 2007 "an accessible if at first unprepossessing blend of history-lite, helpful explanation and bizarre factoids." The Tour De France is one of the most revered, thrilling sporting events in the world, not to mention one of the most physically exhausting. Every year top cyclists from around the globe break speed records and push themselves harder and faster in pursuit of the legendary yellow jersey. Vive le Tour! is the ultimate guide to the competition's heroes, cheats, controversy, extreme terrain, triumphs and tragedy – on and off the trail. Now fully revised and updated, this edition reflects the huge interest generated in the Tour thanks to the recent success of British cyclists, the high-profile launch of Team Sky in 2010 and the fact that the event once again returns to freeview TV (ITV 4). Vive Le Tour! is your essential companion to this awe-inspiring event, with a wealth of tales and trivia drawn from the Tour's century-long history.