An interesting new book turned up this month: Tour de France Champions: An A-Z by Giles Bebbin.
The introduction by the famous Phil Liggett MBE says: “This is a remarkable book by Giles Bebbin and, although millions of words have been written about La Grande Boucle, I do not think any have been written in such a way as here.”
This book lists the 62 winners of the Tour de France from its very first running in 1903 through to the 2019 edition.
It gives a thumbnail sketch into the lives and careers of all the winners, as well as providing a list of those who were first over the line, but subsequently disqualified.
Of the Tours 117-year history, only the two World Wars (not run in 1915 to 1918 and 1940 to 1946) have interrupted the Tour and now that we are in the middle of the Covid-19 Pandemic, once again the Tour has been cancelled in 2021 (rescheduled) it remains to be seen whether or not normality returns for 2022. We wait and see.
From the first Winner in 1903 – Maurice Garin (supposedly a drunk, chimney sweep) to the 2019 Winner – Egan Bernal (definitely not drunk or even a chimney sweep); they are all here, the good, the bad and the cheaters.
The big boys – The Five Club = Jacques Anquetil; Eddy Merckx; Miguel Indurain; and Bernard Hinault, who have all won 5 times; to those winners who disappeared after their one and only ‘big’ win.
The entries are alphabetical, starting with Lucien Aimar (TdeF 1966) and finishing with Joop Zoetemelk (TdeF 1980).
The years 1999 – 2005 when Lance Armstrong won and was subsequently removed, when he admitted to drug cheating, no winner has been confirmed.
The description is vivid, analysing the driving force behind each rider, and giving a full rounded picture of the winner.
A book, full of interesting characters, many still alive today, who have all, in their own way contributed to the sport we love – cycling.
Well worth a read, and a place on your bookshelf or on your device (for online reading!).