Riding High: Shadow Cycling the Tour de France - Hardcover

Howard, Paul

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1840187115 ISBN 13: 9781840187113

Publisher: Mainstream Publishing, 2003

Synopsis

The demands on the riders are so great that the achievements and rivalries of those involved have passed into sporting legend. Now, however, the event has been tarnished by the institutionalised doping of some riders and some teams and, as a result, the authenticity of these very achievements and rivalries has been called into doubt. To find out whether an increasingly sceptical public could once again laud the exploits of the past century with conviction, club cyclist Paul Howard set out to complete the Tour - in the year of its 100th anniversary - on level terms with today's riders. But, instead of teammates, mechanics and the contents of the local pharmacy in support, he had a handful of friends, his dad and a sense of humour to see him through. With only three weeks to complete over 2,000 miles, was it possible to put a human face on a super-human undertaking? Could a fan's homage to the glories of the past and the legitimate heroes of today help the Tour regain its place as one of the most admired physical and sporting challenges? RIDING HIGH is Howard's diary of his experience as he follows the Tour de France route from start to finish, at each stage sharing anecdotes from previous competitions and noting the historical highpoints that have made the Tour one of the most iconic sporting events in the world.

About this title

Review:

"... a cracking read... an inspiration to cyclists of all kinds... Paul's efforts really do qualify for the 'heroic' category". -- British Cycling Website, November 12th, 2003

"Life in the shadows proves tour de force for Howard" -- The Times, January 16th, 2004

Shortlisted for Best New Writer -- National Sporting Club 'Sports Book of the Year' Awards

From the Author:

I'd just like to say that I'm hope Riding High appeals both to cyclists and non-cyclists alike.
I hope it appeals to cyclists because riding the Tour de France route is perhaps something everybody who's ever ridden a bike has considered at some point - not necessarily considered doing themselves, but the notion of other people doing it is enough to make you think what it must be like. Also, cyclists of all shades will recognise the trials and tribulations - and moments of great joy - that taking on something like this can bring.
For non-cyclists it's because the Tour de France is such a renowned and infamous sporting challenge that I'd like to think the book will appeal to them as well. For a start, the Tour is not only now an integral part of French culture, it's also bound up with the general sporting culture of the world. Everyone knows it's a terrific sporting event, but it's also a great physical challenge and an adventure. At least in part this is what my book is about - to my mind taking on the Tour was akin to climbing mountains, crossing seas or trekking to the Poles (although less dangerous, which was a big factor I'll have to admit). I hope this element of exploration (of France and of what people are prepared to put themselves through) comes across in the book.
Finally, I hope the book manages to cast some light on the unpleasant phenomena of drug-induced performance enhancement in sport. If nothing else, the Tour is an event, an institution that deserves better than to be scorned by spectators or abused by participants. What's more, the experiences of cycling over recent years are perhaps beginning to be felt by other sports now (athletics, football) and I hope the book helps put some of the issues in a wider context.
I'm grateful to the book for providing me with the chance to fulfil a dream and ride the Tour de France, even if it was on my own rather than in the event itself. I hope you enjoy it.

About this edition

• Publisher: Mainstream Publishing
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1840187115
• ISBN 13: 9781840187113
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240