THE OFFICIAL TOUR DE FRANCE CENTENNIAL 1903–2003
, THE OFFICIAL TOUR DE FRANCE CENTENNIAL 1903–2003This official book, endorsed by the race organizers and produced with L'Equipe , France's daily sports magazine, is one of several titles published for the Tour de France's 100th anniversary. There's a foreword by four-time winner Armstrong, along with an eye-catching photo of him on the jacket. The book begins with a brief history of the race, then follows with a year-by-year summary of each event. For each race year, there are stats detailing the winners of the event and the various stages along with photos. Most of the photos for the first 30 years are standard publicity shots but the color photos of the past 20 years are more action-oriented. The writing is stylish and exuberant. About the 1992 race: "Simply sublime! On 14 June 1992, Miguel Induráin rode victoriously into Milan, having won the Giro d'Italia by virtue of extraordinary aggression in the time trials, impenetrable defense in the mountains and an almost infallible ability to read the race. On 4 July, he brought the same skills to the 1992 Tour de France and won the Prologue at San Sebastian, in front of massive and adoring Basque crowds." About Lance Armstrong in 1993: "Lance Armstrong is going to be a force to be reckoned with. With a name like Armstrong, it's only a matter of time." This is an attractive coffee-table book, but probably only serious fans will read it all. (Aug.)
closeDetailsReviewed on: 07/28/2003
Genre: Nonfiction
This official book, endorsed by the race organizers and produced with
Reviewed on: 07/28/2003
Genre: Nonfiction
