Customer Reviews

The Tour De France Companion: Victory Edition

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"The Tour de France Companion" is a concise and well written introduction to the Tour. As other reviewers have noted, Bob Roll appears to have been working with a strong editor and/or sedatives, and the manic Bobke style only occasionally appears (it's most evident in his comments about Jan Ullrich).

As a long-time cycling fan I can't say that I learned anything new about the organization or strategy of the Tour, but there are plenty of historical anecdotes to keep the reading interesting. There are also a few gems, like the 1994 photo of youngsters Armstrong, Pantani, and Virenque climbing together. Ten years and three tumultuous careers later, one wonders what they were thinking then. One might also wonder what Virenque was thinking with that haircut.

And, yes, the book is Lance-centric. Sort of like the last five Tours.

Bob Roll is an American who understands not only the Tour, but also how to entice an American to understand the Tour. I have my share of elite cycling experience myself, and one thing that I have noticed is that Americans in elite cycling try to act "cool" whenever someone mentions the Tour and Lance in the same sentence. In other words, "oh, this book is all about Armstrong, this documentary is Lance-centric, the only thing Americans know about the Tour is Lance, and I'm so cool because I don't talk about Lance at all, bla bla bla." Believe me when I tell you, many Americans in elite cycling don't *want* Americans to understand better, because in their transparent insecurity, they enjoy the fact that they know more than the general population. Not so with Bob Roll, who has written a book that is the right amount of Armstrong with the right amount of inside tangential knowledge to entice a variety of readers. Is it a book for the world class touring elite cyclist? Uh, no. It wasn't meant to be. But it fits everyone else.

I picked this book up on a whim, hesitating slightly as "Bobke" has a writing style that can veer wildly from sublime to psychedelic. In this companion book to the upcoming TDF, his writing style is very well disciplined, and the book is extremely readable. The book is designed to prep you for the upcoming event. The 2003 TDF is the launch point for this book, but the history of the tour suffuses the pages, as well. Sidebars are amusing and interesting, the data at the back is nice to have. Overall, a pleasant surprise, and a useful book if you want to get jazzed for the 2004 TDF.

I love cycling but I did not know alot about the TDF when it came to rules, history, etc. This book explains almost everything in terms everyone can understand. If you are a member of the peleton already this book may be too basic for you but for the rest of us it is a superb read!

Whether you are new to cycling or a veteran of the road, there is something for everyone here to digest. Bob Roll, the gap-toothed comedic sidekick to the more serious Phil Ligget on the outstanding OLN broadcast that cyclists look forward to every July is almost as entertaining in print as he is on television. This companion to the Tour de France can be enjoyed anytime of the year (for that spring motivation?)but obviously is best for TDF viewing. The companion was made specifically for the 2004 edition of cyclings greatest event but is full of so much history and tid bits of information that it can digested anytime. For the novice it is indespensible because it explains all the nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed. Any cyclist knows how annoying it can be to try and explain the peleton and other strategies during the race. We've all heard the words, " I don't know why he just doesn't go ahead and pass the other rider." The strategies are all explained and put in historical context, complete with humorous anecdotes and little known facts. The book is dedicated to one of the recent heroes but tragic figures of cycling, Marco Pantini, the diminutive giant who demonstrated to the world that he was the premier lithe and sinewy climber affectionally known as "The Pirate." The book hails the exploits of all the great riders of the past and present, the heartbreak and the heartbreakers, the riding asssassins and their victims. This is the everymans companion to one of the worlds greatest events and spectacles. The now defunct champion U.S Postal Team complete roster reflects the international nature of this sport and is featured here. All the major climbs, the meat and potatoes, heart and soul that seperates the pretenders from the contenders for the final victory lap on the Champs-Elysees are featured with descriptions etc. including the legendary grade 7.9 percent Alped'Huez that tortures all who attempt to snatch TDF victory in the mountains. All the head games are explained, the psychological chess matches between teams and individuals are expounded upon. There is also a nice historical time line of events in the TDF and a variety of records set in various categories for those inclined to factoids. All those who have worn the yellow jersey, from the first TDF's winner Garin in 1903 to Lance Armstrong in 2003 tying the record for consecutive victories, it is all here for you to check out. You can even ink in Armstrong as the all time record setter with his unprecedented sixth consecutive victory as the 2004 winner ! As stated before, it was intended for the 2004 event but was written in such a manner that it will serve you well for future events too. If Lance Armstrong is all you know about the TDF and you're into cycling than you need this book. A must for the novice and a neccessary addition for the complete cycling aficionados library.

First-time viewers are often both suprised and confused by the complexity of the Tour de France. If you've become interested in the world's most difficult endurance event then this book is the perfect place to satisfy your curiosity. TDF Companion is the best introduction to cycling that I've ever come across. Readers will quickly understand why the Tour de France inspires such rabid fans. Long-time cycling afficionados will love the book for the jaw-dropping facts sprinkled throughout, along with the incredible insight of a man who has run this gauntlet several times.

Be forewarned: once you understand cycling you are likely to become addicted.

I enjoyed this book because it explained the Dour de France in a way most people could understand. I found the break from "Bobke" style a welcome change! If you are interested in learning the basics about the Tour, get this book!

I loved Bob Roll's first efforts. However, to really get an emotional feeling for what the tour is like, I suggest reading (before Saturday!) Dave Shield's "The Race." I met the author while competing at this year's Sea Otter Classic. I couldn't put the book down. Nor could my wife. As Lance Armstrong would say, "Out You Go."

Written before the 2004 Tour history making 6 Tour wins, that has to be taken into consideration when reading. They did include a colorful summary of the 2004 Tour at the beginning of the book. Is a real nice history of the Tour and players since 1903. Answers some often wondered questions, like how do they go to the bathroom? Covers rituals of teams and riders. Also the written and unwritten rules. In the back of the book are great graphs: Tour timeline; different jersey winners from their beginnings; and other insignificant but, interesting to a true Tour fan, facts. Even if you think you know the Tour you can learn something new.

Nothing particularly new if you have watched a few tours but explains a lot that can seem confusing if you are watching for first time or two. Should have maps and discussion of each 2004 stage - but has only a few brief descriptions of some of the climbs. Well written in plain English, hard to imagine this is the same gonzo who wrote Bobke II. What's the french word for ghost?