Customer Reviews

Lance Armstrong's War: One Man's Battle Against Fate, Fame, Love, Death, Scandal, and a Few Other Rivals on the Road to the Tour de France

5 star:		(64)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Daniel Coyle deserves a high place on the podium for his account of Lance Armstrong's successful attempt to win the 2004 Tour de France. Cycling fans will find the book to be like Samuel Abt on steroids, or perhaps Tom Wolfe on a bike. Coyle has even out-rolled Bob Roll, which is no mean feat. Nevertheless, there is a delicate balance at work here that won't be over the head of a casual reader.

He has a wonderful writing style that rollicks along without being over the top. There are serious, compelling moments and others that are nothing short of hilarious, like the belly-pinch, the ass check and the Belgie woof-shrug. Now and again we encounter a perfect pearl of prose, as when an apparently emaciated Iban Mayo climbs onto a tiny bike and quickly melds with it into a magical, lissome and powerful thing that stuns spectators into a reverent silence.

For much of the book we get the idea that Armstrong's world is one in which nothing can go wrong and everything is above taint and suspicion. He is an all-seeing, all-knowing, implacable and virtuous master of the universe. Even the notorious Dr. Ferrari gets an exculpatory portrait. He makes an appearance, not with the mysterious super-dope that much of Europe believes he is giving Armstrong, but with a piece of cheese. And a very nice cheese at that. Nothing to worry about there.

As he approaches the finish, though, Coyle gives us something much more nuanced. He takes up the allegations of Walsh and Ballester, however unsubstantiated, as well as those of Mike Anderson, Armstrong's former personal assistant. He describes the bitter split with Floyd Landis and provides perhaps the only first-person account of Armstrong's on-bike intimidation of Fiippo Simeoni. Most telling of all is the picture of Armstrong's obsession with the "trolls" who bedevil him with criticism and allegations of impropriety.

Still, there is little danger that Coyle will be branded as one of the trolls. This is a book that Armstrong should be very pleased with: a superb and laudatory portrait of a driven man who has become perhaps the greatest of the many great champions of the Tour.

I am a life-long cyclist -- rode my first century ride at the age of eight and had boyhood dreams of growing up to ride in the Tour de France. I've been fascinated with the stars of the sport ever since hearing stories of Jacque Anquetil and Tom Simpson as a young boy.
Daniel Coyle has certainly captured the mad subculture of cycling in all its rich variation and humanity. His book "Lance Armstrong's War" is not so much a Lance Armstrong book as it is a psycho-sociologic essay on this beautifully insane sport. It is evident that Coyle did his homework as the details are convincing and relevant, and his characterizations of the key players, Armstrong, Hamilton, Ullrich, Landis et. al. ring true. Many such books are afraid to become fully immersed in the cycling world for fear of alienating the larger audience of the general population. Coyle, however, draws the reader into that world, explaining and defining the slang, the nuances, the tactics, the traditions, as needed. In so doing he has created a book that will be as entertaining and thought-provoking for the cycling aficionado as for the casual fan who only knows Lance's face from Subaru ads.
Finally, I consider this the best cycling book of its kind because of the author's apparent lack of an editorial agenda. This is written as a somewhat bibliographic narrative, just reporting the facts as perceived and experienced by the author. I contrast it with William Fotheringham's excellent book about Tom Simpson "Put Me Back On My Bike", which suffered from a need to draw some sort of moral or make conclusions for the reader. Daniel Coyle's book mirrors its subject in that it is what it is. You will either fall in love with it or be indifferent, you will either "get it" or you won't. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that the inner cycling slang and terminology sort of takes over the text by the end of the book, apparently the author is presuming that everyone who reads that far will "get it". Sometimes the hipness gets in the way.
I heartily recommend this book for all cycling fans and for anyone else who wants to try to understand either the Tour de France phenomenon better or its enigmatic superstar, Lance Armstrong.

"In bike racing, as in poker, looking cool and impervious is the same as being cool and impervious. Racers thus spend a lot of time studying each other for what card players refer to as "tells": the imminent signs of cracking, the moment of supreme vulnerability when one good push can decide a race. Some tells are so obvious as to be considered amateurish"

The tells that were discussed in this book that I thought were the most fun were the tells that occurred on the first day of the European race, the Tour of Murcia. The belly pinch is one. Under the guise of a handshake, a rival or coach will grasp the target's hand, and tug them forward twisting their bodies lightly for access to their belly, to test for fat. The ass check is more of an art. You look from a distance. Riders in top form have asses that become small and vaguely feminine. After a while you have your rival memorized, what is big for them, small and somewhere in the middle.

These facts, these are the ones that make this book so valuable and so readable. I have been reading this book during the 2005 Le Tour. I now know the real Lance, his rivals and teammates, his loves, his mother, his step-fathers, his children, his friends, his likes and dislikes and so much information about the Le Tour 2004. This book has given credence to my love of Lance Armstrong as a Cancer Survivor, cyclist and all American hero.

Daniel Coyle, the author, has been able to find the right touch; to discuss what Lance Armstrong is all about. And, he has also allowed us into the inner world of the racing cyclist. Just what happens on tour? How do the cyclists prepare? What does it take to be a world class cyclist, and the best cyclist in the world? He has been given access into the inner workings of Le Tour teams. He has provided us with data and statistics of what cyclists endure. Is a cyclist like Lance Armstrong born with the talent or does he have to train his entire life. How does someone overcome this mystique, and how does one answer the questions of doping?

We learn of the lives of Le Tours major players; Jan Ullrich, Tyler Hamilton, Alexandre Vinokourov, Iban Mayo, John Landis and Basso. Why is Lance Armstrong called the greatest athlete of our time? How does Sheryl Crowe measure up with Le Tour group? Linda Armstrong, what is her role, and how has she helped to shape this man we love?
What about the injuries, how does one protect themselves against harm? And, Le Tour, what are the stages, how does a Peleton work, what about the Pyrenees and the Alps? What does Le Tour mean in Europe, and why are not more Americans as enthralled as we are with our hero, Lance Armstrong, and our love of the cycling sport?

"The average pro cyclist will pedal far enough in training each year to encircle the globe. The daily metabolic rate of a Tour de France cyclist exceeds that of Everest climbers and comes close to matching the highest rates found in any other animal species." Does this impress you as it does me? Then this book is for you. I have found this book the most informative and most fun read of any Le Tour book or any Lance Armstrong book.
So highly recommended, I have given books to friends and family. prisrob

Mr. Coyle has written an outstanding book that offers a view into the world of the peleton, and into Lance Armstrong's intense world on and off the bike. I could not put the book down. As for the peleton and professional cycling, we learn about sports physiology, the brutal sport that cycling is, the various and hilarious things that go on before, during, and after training and racing, and we obtain insight into Lance's main competitors - and a tough ex-teammate of Lance's by the name of Floyd Landis. In the end, however, I was conflicted. Armstrong's greatness as a cyclist and cancer survivor and advocate is somewhat tainted by a dark side emphasized near the very end of the book. This is OK, however. No one is perfect, and lilly-white reads are often as boring as they are untrue. Mr. Coyle's presentation - in my view - is without bias or an agenda; it is not a tabloid piece, but a well-balanced presentation. This likely took some cajones on Mr. Coyle's part because Armstrong, according to many accounts, including some in the book, can be vindictive against those who write or say unflattering things about him, or imply same. Time will tell as to whether Mr. Coyle will be on Armstrong's s*&! list. In any event, Mr. Coyle's book allows the reader to draw his/her own opinions as to the epic man - Lance Armstrong.

I'm a casual cycling fan - I only really pay attention during the Tour de France. I bought the book on the spur of the moment, and it turned out to be a great move. You don't have to have in-depth knowledge of cycling or the people involved.... You don't have to like sports or bikes: it's a well-written look at people and places you wouldn't normally get to see, and the world of cycling is just the backdrop. I thought it was outstanding - the fact this is the first time I've ever been moved to write a review should give you an idea of how much I liked it.

I don't say Armstrong is inspirational solely based on the fact that he beat cancer. That is certainly a part of it and it gives hope to people battling that dread disease. But what is really inspirational is his incredible drive to succeed. Drive? No, drive is not the correct word. Rather what comes through in this book is Armstrong's obsession to succeed. As Armstrong prepares to try an win his sixth straight Tour de France, Author Daniel Coyle gives us a look into what makes Armstrong tick. If anything, the fact that he's won five straight times already even seems to drive him more because of the detractors who think he can't do it. He's older now, competing in a rigorous event that totally taxes the body and yet tell Armstrong he can't do it only seems to make him more determined.

Coyle shadowed Armstrong throughout his training and preparation for the 1994 Tour de France to give the world insight into a guy who despite his success, is still largely unknown to the world at large. We think of Armstrong for this one period of the year and then he disappears from our thoughts until the next race. Coyle also brilliantly focuses the spotlight on some of Armstrong's chief rivals so we can try and view him through their eyes, and what the feel about this man. It's quite a fascinating story, and most of it all new to me.

I am an avid fan, but not a rider with any inside information about the workings of a cycling team, be it a weekend recreational group or one as sharply honed as Team Discovery.

So, it was with great interest that I picked up LANCE ARMSTRONG'S WAR. Had read IT'S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE and EVERY SECOND COUNTS...even read RAISING LANCE, RAISING ME by Lance's mom. Still wasn't expecting to get such a schooling as Daniel Coyle provides in his up close and personal look at the life and times of Lance Armstrong.

Armstrong and his team granted Coyle almost unlimited access to every aspect of Lance's life -- a feat in and of itself -- during the months leading up to last year's TdF. While Coyle sometime seems to be a little over impressed with LA's main squeeze Sheryl Crow, his focus on the energy it takes to BE Lance Armstrong pretty much stays on course.

Like I said, I was schooled in the art of being a professional bike rider.

(1) I knew Lance and his tightly knit team were into control, but I had no idea how seriously they need to be in control. Being a newbie to the strategies of the peleton, I was not aware how carefully they selected just who got to "stay in the breakaways" each day.

(2) Coyle taught me about Lance's relationship and reliance upon Dr. Michele Ferrari, convicted on doping charges.

(3) I learned about the motivation of author David Walsh (LA CONFIDENTIAL) who truly believes Lance is a doper. It's not all about the dope.

(4) Don't think for even an instant that you can put one over on Lance...like, for example, Filippo Simeoni, a whiner who has branded Lance a doper and who tried to break away during a stage in 2004. Lance went on the attack and hunted Simeoni down...then Lance flew on up to the front eight riders on the breakaway and said, "If he stays, I'm staying," meaning my team will be up here in just a minute and we'll ride your legs off. The eight leaders yelled at Simeoni to get the heck outta there...and he did. When Lance got back to the peleton, several members cheered him...and jeered Simeoni, whose humiliation was complete.

and

(5) I learned that once burnt, Lance never looks back. He seems to be completely devoid of sentimentality. Screw with him, his team, his family or his reputation, and you're not only gone, you're forgotten.

The only surprise of the book was Coyle's near disdain for Linda Armstrong Kelly. To me, his portrait of her was one-dimensional and comes close to be cartoonish. I can't believe he spent much time with her.

My bet is Coyle wasn't raised by a southern belle like Linda Armstrong Kelly. NOBODY gets between a southern boy and his mama. Wonder how that chapter sat with Lance?

Other than his handling of "the mom," Coyle's easy-going style is light, lively and entertaining.

If you've ever ridden a bike around in your neighborhood or even watched a stage or two of the wonder they call the Tour de France, you might do well to spend a few hours reading LANCE ARMSTRONG'S WAR. It's a whole other universe.

Enjoy!

This is a great read. One clue for me was when Jon Krakauer (Into Thin Air) wrote that "I couldn't put it down." Now, I did put it down, many times, because that is my style. But, I read it all and was impressed. Even if cycling is not your sport or hobby, it is easy to read, entertaining, and informative. If you liked "Into Thin Air" or "Moneyball", you'll probably like this book. Treat yourself to good coverage about a seven-time Tour de France winner.

I love people who rate a book without even bothering to read it first.

Whether or not you think Lance is "arrogant" or at fault for leaving his wife (which of course, you have no idea what really happened. How can we judge something we know nothing about? She might have kicked him out, or they just grew apart. Get over it.), this book is brilliantly reported and written. It gives a no-holds barred glimpse into not only Lance, but into his main rivals and his friends.

I found it completely engrossing to get details about the training, nutrition, and dedication that goes into a pro cyclist's season. It is truly remarkable what these people put themselves through.

This is not a hero tribute to Lance. In fact, in times, Lance is not portrayed in the best light. But, it makes him human to those of us who only know him from the TV.

Fantastic.

This is such a great read! Daniel Coyle had extremely good access to Lance Armstrong and his teammates during the 2005 Tour de France and yet he has written a book that doesn't seem like a toadying recollection but rather a sincere examination of the team's dynamics and the star around whom they all orbit. And it is absolutely packed to the seams with little telling stories and vignettes, not just about the Discovery Team, but about the competitors and the cast of thousands who support the teams and the Tour.

The friendships are nearly as intense as the rivalries and the fortunes of both sway throughout the years, making an interesting patchwork of relationships as teams are formed and revised. In a sport that requires these folks to be both solitary and social, there is an acute awareness of the other participants and psychological games are tactical.

For those of us who have followed the Tour for years, Lance Armstrong comes off pretty much as expected. He is a driven character but not particularly complex or deeply reflective, yet he is quite likeable in a sort of self-centered teenage boy sort of way. And there is simply no diminishing his accomplishments, which are staggering.

The person who makes out best in this book, oddly enough, is Armstrong's "arch-nemesis" (at least in the American media), Jan Ullrich. He comes from a past every bit as daunting as anyone in sport today and he seems quite human, flawed, multidimensional and sympathetic.

Lest this sound like "Lance Armstrong's War" is just a gossipy "tell all", which it really isn't, I need to also mention that it gives a detailed account of the methods of training, the metrics, and the science of international bike racing. It is an enormous business and this book does a great job of examining both the sport and the people at its heart.