The Science of the Tour de France


Book Description

Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a world-class cyclist. James Witts invites you into the world of marginal gains to discover the innovative training techniques, nutrition strategies and cutting-edge gear that are giving today's elite cyclists the competitive advantage. Find out why Formula One telemetry is key to more bike speed; how power meters dictate training sessions and race strategy; how mannequins, computational fluid dynamics and wind-tunnels are elevating aerodynamics to the next level; why fats and training on water alone are popular in the peloton; and why the future of cycling will involve transcranial brain stimulation and wearable technology. With contributions from the world's greatest riders, including Marcel Kittel, Peter Sagan and Bauke Mollema, and the teams that work alongside them: Etixx-Quick Step, Team Sky, Tinkoff, Movistar, BMC Racing, Trek-Segafredo and many more. Also meet the teams' sports scientists, coaches, nutritionists and chefs, who reveal the pioneering science that separates Contador and Cancellara from the recreational rider. To win the Tour de France takes stamina, speed, strength... and science.




A Literary Tour de France


Book Description

The publishing industry in France in the years before the Revolution was a lively and sometimes rough-and-tumble affair, as publishers and printers scrambled to deal with (and if possible evade) shifting censorship laws and tax regulations, in order to cater to a reading public's appetite for books of all kinds, from the famous Encyclopédie, repository of reason and knowledge, to scandal-mongering libel and pornography. Historian and librarian Robert Darnton uses his exclusive access to a trove of documents-letters and documents from authors, publishers, printers, paper millers, type founders, ink manufacturers, smugglers, wagon drivers, warehousemen, and accountants-involving a publishing house in the Swiss town of Neuchatel to bring this world to life. Like other places on the periphery of France, Switzerland was a hotbed of piracy, carefully monitoring the demand for certain kinds of books and finding ways of fulfilling it. Focusing in particular on the diary of Jean-François Favarger, a traveling sales rep for a Swiss firm whose 1778 voyage, on horseback and on foot, around France to visit bookstores and renew accounts forms the spine of this story, Darnton reveals not only how the industry worked and which titles were in greatest demand, but the human scale of its operations. A Literary Tour de France is literally that. Darnton captures the hustle, picaresque comedy, and occasional risk of Favarger's travels in the service of books, and in the process offers an engaging, immersive, and unforgettable narrative of book culture at a critical moment in France's history.




The Tour De France, 1903-2003


Book Description

This book analyses the Tour de France over its long history both as France's most prestigious and famous sporting event and as a European and, increasingly, a world cycling competition. This study provides interdisciplinary and varied perspectives on the sporting, cultural, social, economic and political significance of the Tour within and outside France, giving a comprehensive and authoritative investigation of up-to-the minute thinking on what the Tour means, now and in the past, to competitors, to France, to the French public, to the cultural history of sport, and the sport of cycling itself.







The Tour de France


Book Description

"Shows that sport has been for us moderns the ultimate tabula rasa into which we pour our hopes, fears, prejudices and self-interest."—Robert A. Nye, author of Crime, Madness, & Politics in Modern France and Masculinity and Male Codes of Honor in Modern France "A true gem of a book. A terrific scholar and an engaging writer."—Dean MacCannell, author of The Tourist and Empty Meeting Grounds "A major new interpretation of France's most famous sporting event. For the first time the Tour de France has been fully and carefully placed within the wider context of French history."—Richard Holt, author of Sport and Society in Modern France and Sport and the British "Chris Thompson has written an engaging, nicely-paced account of France's world-famous cycle race: his writing is lively and full of detail and excitement. But he has done much more than simply narrate the story of the Tour. His book sets the race—its history, its participants and its meaning—firmly in its shifting national and cultural contexts. The sections dealing with professional cycling as a form of labor and with the Tour's place in France's troubled twentieth century are absolutely first-rate: insightful and original. This is the best history of the Tour that we have and are likely to have for many years, a work of scholarship that deserves to find a broad general readership."—Tony Judt, author of Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945




Tour de France


Book Description

In this highly original history of the world's most famous bicycle race, Christopher S. Thompson, mining previously neglected sources and writing with infectious enthusiasm for his subject, tells the compelling story of the Tour de France from its creation in 1903 to the present. Weaving the words of racers, politicians, Tour organizers, and a host of other commentators together with a wide-ranging analysis of the culture surrounding the event including posters, songs, novels, films, and media coverage Thompson links the history of the Tour to key moments and themes in French history. Examining the enduring popularity of Tour racers, Thompson explores how their public images have changed over the past century. A new preface explores the long-standing problem of doping in light of recent scandals.




The Tour de France, Updated with a New Preface


Book Description

In this highly original history of the world's most famous bicycle race, Christopher S. Thompson, mining previously neglected sources and writing with infectious enthusiasm for his subject, tells the compelling story of the Tour de France from its creation in 1903 to the present. Weaving the words of racers, politicians, Tour organizers, and a host of other commentators together with a wide-ranging analysis of the culture surrounding the event—including posters, songs, novels, films, and media coverage—Thompson links the history of the Tour to key moments and themes in French history. Examining the enduring popularity of Tour racers, Thompson explores how their public images have changed over the past century. A new preface explores the long-standing problem of doping in light of recent scandals.




Tour De France Champions 1903-2023


Book Description

🚴‍♂️📚 Discover the Unforgettable Journey of Tour de France Champions! 🚴‍♀️📚 The Ultimate Tour de France Book Bundle: Pedaling Through the Centuries Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey through the captivating history of Tour de France? Look no further! Introducing the "Tour de France Champions: Pedaling Through the Centuries" book bundle, a four-book collection that will immerse you in the epic tales of triumph, grit, and glory that have shaped the world's most prestigious cycling race. Book 1 - Pedaling Through History: The Early Heroes of Tour de France (1903-1930) Step back in time and witness the dawn of a cycling legend! In this captivating volume, we delve into the awe-inspiring accounts of the early pioneers who braved uncharted roads and grueling terrains to become the heroes of the first-ever Tour de France. From heart-stopping rivalries to historic victories, relive the moments that laid the foundation for a race that would change the world of sports forever. Book 2 - Wheels of Triumph: A Golden Era in Tour de France (1950-1975) Experience the exhilaration of the Tour's golden era as we take you on a thrilling ride through cycling's most enthralling period. Revisit the legendary battles for the yellow jersey, witness the meteoric rise of cycling titans, and revel in the breathtaking moments that defined an unforgettable era of dominance and drama. Book 3 - Breaking Barriers: Women Champions of Tour de France (1977-2005) Get ready to be inspired by the extraordinary stories of fearless women who broke down barriers in a male-dominated sport. Celebrate the courage, determination, and unwavering spirit of the women who defied the odds to compete on the grandest stage of cycling. From their uphill struggles to the groundbreaking moments of victory, this volume shines a spotlight on the trailblazers who changed the face of women's cycling forever. Book 4 - Legends of the Modern Peloton: Tour de France Winners (1990-2023) Zoom into the modern era of the Tour de France, where technological advancements, fierce rivalries, and global talent converge to create an unparalleled spectacle. Discover the electrifying tales of the contemporary champions who have etched their names in cycling lore. From record-breaking feats to stunning comebacks, this volume celebrates the superstars who continue to shape the Tour's legacy in the 21st century. 🚀 Why Choose "Tour de France Champions"? 🚀 🏆 Immerse Yourself in History: Take an unprecedented ride through the milestones and defining moments that have shaped the Tour de France over 120 thrilling years. 🚴‍♀️ Embrace Empowerment: Be inspired by the courageous women who shattered stereotypes and paved the way for gender equality in professional cycling. 🌍 Global Impact: Witness the evolution of a race that transcends borders and captures the hearts of millions worldwide. 🎯 Unforgettable Stories: Experience the highs and lows of the champions who conquered the grueling stages and left an indelible mark on the world of cycling. 📚 Comprehensive Collection: Dive deep into the complete anthology, covering every epoch of the Tour de France from its inception to the modern-day. ⭐ Secure Your Tour de France Champions Bundle Today! ⭐ Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own the ultimate Tour de France book bundle that spans the entire century of cycling history. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the sport, an aspiring cyclist, or simply an enthusiast of legendary tales, this collection is a must-have addition to your library. Click the "Add to Cart" button now to secure your Tour de France Champions bundle and begin the epic journey of "Pedaling Through the Centuries" today! Happy reading and may the spirit of the Tour guide you on a thrilling adventure! 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️📘




Gold Medal Physics


Book Description

A physicist explains the science behind some of the greatest feats in sports history—from diving like Greg Louganis to bending it like Beckham. Nothing is quite as thrilling as watching superior athletes do the seemingly impossible. From Doug Flutie's "Hail Mary" pass to Lance Armstrong's record-breaking climb of Alp d'Huez to David Beckham's astounding ability to bend a soccer kick, we marvel and wonder, "How did they do that?" Well, physics professor John Eric Goff has the answers. In this scientific tour of the wide world of sports, John Eric Goff discusses the science behind American football, soccer, cycling, skating, diving, long jumping, and a host of other competitive sports. Using elite athletes as starting points, Goff explains the basic physical properties involved in amazing and everyday athletic endeavors. Accompanied by illustrations and mathematical equations, each chapter builds on knowledge imparted in earlier chapters to provide a firm understanding of the concepts involved. Fun, witty, and imbued throughout with admiration for the simple beauty of physics, Gold Medal Physics is sure to inspire readers to think differently about the next sporting event they watch.




Tour De France For Dummies


Book Description

A plain-English guide to the world's most famous-and grueling-bicycle race Featuring eight-pages of full-color photos from recent Tour de France races, this easy-to-follow, entertaining guide demystifies the history, strategy, rules, techniques, equipment, and competitors in what is arguably the most grueling and intriguing multiday, multistage sporting event in the world. Cowritten by the most popular English-speaking cycling commentator on the planet, this book is great reading for both experienced and the new bicycle racing fans alike.