At first glance, television coverage of the Tour de France may seem monotonous and slow. In reality, the planet's most physically challenging athletic competition is fast, made up of strategy and teamwork, painful crashes, and an unbelievable amount of cyclist endurance that goes into roughly 20 consecutive days of riding save two or three rest days with an average of 182 kilometers/ 113 miles per stage.
Both loyal spectators and newbies to the race can learn more by becoming familiar with some Tour de France literature that's neither dense or too technical but humorous, informative and inspiring.
French Revolutions by Tim Moore
British writer Tim Moore decides to buy an expensive bike, stuff his panniers with the essentials and attempt to ride the entire Tour de France route weeks before the actual race, including France's Provençal beast, Mont Ventoux. What makes the book funny is Moore's self-deprecating humor, the French villagers he meets sur la route, and the daily trials of a mediocre cyclist attempting a course on which professionals struggle to the point of exhaustion and sometimes death.
The perspective of a rookie is a relief for those new to the Tour de France and/or cycling in general. Readers can relate with Moore's struggles and accomplishments, while learning the ups and downs of a Tour route without having to do it.
It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong
While many have mixed opinions about the seven time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, his comeback story from testicular cancer to Tour conqueror is undeniably inspirational to many whether readers are cyclist fans or not. Lance recounts his battle with cancer from his most desperate life threatening moments to getting back on the bike and using adversity as fuel for defeating the course and his rivals.
While Armstrong's nonfiction book is mostly centered around his cancer survival, knowing more about the lives of cyclists, particularly one who is good at his job, makes seemingly unreachable athletes more human. Often, a single inspirational athlete can be the key to sparking an interest in cycling or any sport.
The Tour de France Companion by Bob Roll
Former professional cyclist and current American Tour de France commentator, Bob Roll has written two volumes of The Tour de France Companion, a must-have for spectators who've always wanted to know:
- how cyclists go to the bathroom during the race
- what it's like to be a roadside spectator
- how many calories cyclists burn and must consume during the race
- the difference between a green, white, polka dot and yellow jersey
- team strategies and positioning
- cycling jargon
- a brief history of the Tour de France
Best for understanding the behind the scenes grit of the Tour de France and impressing friends, this book has statistics and race explanations that are reader-friendly and written with a bit of the author's Bobke humor.
The informed and well read cycling spectator will see the Tour de France through an appreciative eye upon knowing its rules, competitors, stages, history and most of all, its spirit.
Armstrong, Lance with Sally Jenkins. It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life, 2000 G.P. Putnam's Sons.
Moore, Tim. French Revolutions, 2001 Random House.
Roll, Bob. The Tour de France Companion, 2005 Workman Publishing.
Katherine Kocisky - Katherine graduated with a degree in English Education and French in 2004 from Illinois State University. Since then, she has taught high ...
