The Call of the Road - The History of Cycle Road Racing

Eddy Merckx. Fausto Coppi. Jacques Anquetil. Bernard Hinault. Beryl Burton. Marianne Vos.
Since the first road race in May 1869, revealed here for the very first time, cycle road racing has been dominated by iconic cyclists who redefined endurance and fortitude. The battles facing these cyclists are not fought over just one race, but an annual series beginning with the Spring Classics and culminating in the three great tours - the Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a España and the Tour de France - before the cyclists retire to lick their wounds and start on another winter of training.
How were the great races founded and developed? How have the great riders stamped their authority on them through the ages? Truly international in scope, looking at road racing in North and Latin America, Australia, Africa and Asia, as well as continental Europe, The Call of the Road is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the history, tactics or personalities of cycle road racing.

About the author

Chris Sidwells is a freelance journalist, author and photographer who specialises in all aspects of the sport and pastime of cycling. His books have been translated into 17 languages and been bestsellers in their genre in the UK and abroad.

Chris currently contributes both words and pictures to every issue of the two top English language cycling magazines, Cycling Weekly and Cycle Sport, as well as Men’s Fitness and the Sunday Times.

Summary

Eddy Merckx. Fausto Coppi. Jacques Anquetil. Bernard Hinault. Beryl Burton. Marianne Vos.

Report

Praise for Chris Sidwells:
'An intriguing read for almost any reader, not only those who are interested in cycling' Tuam Herald
'[An] engaging and accessible account of the race's history' Sunday Business Post

Product details

• Authors: CHRIS SIDWELLS, Chris Sidwells, Sidwells Chris
• Publisher: William Collins
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback
• Released: 30.06.2019
• EAN: 9780008220808
• ISBN: 978-0-00-822080-8
• Dimensions: 129 mm x 198 mm x 28 mm
• Subjects: Guides > Sport > Motorsport, motorcycle sport, bicycle sport, aviation sport; Europe, TRAVEL / Essays & Travelogues, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Sports, HISTORY / Europe / General, SPORTS & RECREATION / History, SPORTS & RECREATION / Cycling, Sports training & coaching, history of sport, cycling, Biography: sport, True stories of heroism, endurance & survival, Sports training and coaching, Transport: general interest, Cycle racing, Cycling: general and touring, World Cups and World championships, Vehicle Maintenance & Manuals