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Book - Product Information
23 Days In July: Inside Lance Armstrong's Record-Breaking Tour De France Victory
John Wilcockson, Graham Watson
Rating: 5.0/5 Stars
Rank: 676
Armstrong's record sixth Tour de France victory didn't cause much of a stir
in the U.S., but Wilcockson's account shows why the "Tour has always
fascinated writers," even if it hasn't always captured the attention of
Americans.
The author, whose work has appeared in the New York
Times, draws on conversations with Armstrong, his race team and his
challengers before, during and after the race for an intimate glimpse of
this particular world's friendships, rivalries and scandals.
The resulting
portrait of Armstrong, from his recovery from cancer to his exhausting
training methods, unmatched physical strength and mental toughness, is
that of a newly single dad, with no memories of his own father, and a
sporting "legend." The book's structure, with its day-by-day account of
the Tour, allows readers to appreciate what an arduous undertaking the
race is. As the race revisits stages and locations from previous Tours,
Wilcockson smartly looks back at some of the Tour's great moments and
explores how it has changed because of its recent "Lance-ification." While
Wilcockson mostly celebrates Armstrong and the Tour, he doesn't shy away
from the doping scandals and accusations that have haunted both Armstrong
and the race over the years, and he does give Armstrong a chance to answer
his critics.
A thorough appendix further explaining cycling's subtle
intricacies ends this well-crafted book. Map, photos. Copyright ©
Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved.
About the AuthorJohn Wilcockson reported on his first Tour de France in 1968. He has
written for Outside and Men's Journal and reported on
major cycling events for NPR, the BBC World Service, and the New York
Times.
His many books include John Wilcockson's World of
Cycling. He lives in Boulder, Colorado. Graham Watson has been
covering the Tour de France since 1977.
He lives near London.
Editorials
Sample 3 of 8
23 Days In July: Inside Lance Armstrong's Record-Breaking Tour De France Victory
John Wilcockson, Graham Watson
![]() | | | From Publishers Weekly | | Armstrong's record sixth Tour de France victory didn't cause much of a stir
in the U.S., but Wilcockson's account shows why the "Tour has always
fascinated writers," even if it hasn't always captured the attention... read full editorial |
![]() | | | VeloNews 12/27/04 | | "A read that diehard fans will devour before sharing with friends and
family." |
![]() | | | Sportsology.net 11/29/04 | | "A revealing look in words and pictures." |
Customer Reviews
Sample 3 of 17
23 Days In July: Inside Lance Armstrong's Record-Breaking Tour De France Victory
John Wilcockson, Graham Watson
![]() | | | The definitive tour of the Tour de France | | (Lyons, Colorado, USA) October 27, 2004 - 5.0/5 stars | | Wow! I just finished reading John Wilcockson's book on the 2004 Tour de
France and am still overwhelmed. This is the most complete coverage of the
Tour that I have ever encountered. It is well written and exciting... read full review |
![]() | | | I couldn't put this book down! | | (Lyons, Colorado, USA) October 26, 2004 - 5.0/5 stars | | What a great read!! I did not have a lot of prior knowledge of the sport,
but none is needed to thoroughly enjoy this riveting, articulate, dramatic
take on one of sports greatest achievments. Well written and well done. |
![]() | | | Excellent Tour history, stages, local color, riders, teams. | | (Redding, CA USA) October 27, 2004 - 5.0/5 stars | | Written by a cycling insider.
Great history, details of the
Tour and all those questions a newcomer might have. Excellent index,
glossary, and FAQ sections. Very helpful for those not connected to
cycling. |
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