The Tour De France Companion Book

With the popularity of Lance Armstrong and the Tour outstripping our knowledge of bicycle racing, here is THE TOUR DE FRANCE, a fully illustrated primer that explains the strategies, ground rules, history, personalities, techniques and technology behind one of the world?s most spectacular and brutal sporting events. It?s all clear: How teams work together. How their bikes are different from our bikes. What it takes to be a racer ? the rare combination of slow-and fast-twitch muscles, a huge cardiovascular system, and an extraordinary toughness that allows you to endure more pain that your rivals. The jerseys: yellow, green, polka-dot, white, and the "combativity prize" to the rider who tries the hardest (look for the red race number.) The complicated timing structure, including why it?s so difficult to finish a tour ? every rider must finish within ten percent or so of the fastest guy every single day, or head for home. Even what happens when the leader needs to make a rest stop ? no, contenders don?t zoom off into the sunset. Includes a glossary, stats, historic timeline, 2004 tour map, and more.Read More