Description
Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Sports Book Awards 2018 for Biography of the Year and Cycling Book of the Year There are things he does alone, and things that he alone does. Jacques Anquetil was a cyclist with an aristocratic demeanor and a relaxed attitude to rules and morals. His womanising and frank admissions of doping appalled 1960s French society, even as his five Tour de France wins enthralled it. Paul Fournel was besotted with him from the start ("Too young to understand, I was nevertheless old enough to admire") and followed Anquetil's career with the passion of a fan and the eye of a poet. In this stunningly original biography of a complex and divisive character, Fournel - author of the seminal Vélo (or Need for the Bike)- blends the story of Anquetil's life with scenes from his own, to create a classic of cycling literature.
Trade ReviewA wonderful little book about a great man -- Tim Krabbé, author of The Rider
At last the coolest of champions gets the biography he deserves -- Richard Williams
If you don't know Fournel, then you're missing out, if you don't know Anquetil, then you don't know cycling. -- David Millar
An unconventional take on a fascinating character. This is not your standard cycling biography - and all the better for it. -- Gary Imlach
What a wonderful book Paul has written. It's is one of the most powerful cycling books I've ever read - certainly the best biography. -- Michael Hutchinson
Evokes the mysticism which surrounded Jacques beautifully -- Herbie Sykes
A magnificent book * Le Monde *
A beautiful story * Le Figaro *
A profound essay * Libération *
Praise for Vélo: Joyous. Destined to become a classic * Road.cc *
One of the loveliest pieces of writing about cycling * Cyclingtips *
Praise for Need for the Bike 'Paul Fournel is the real deal. In his carefully cadenced prose poem...he shares a passion for the sport matched only by his love of language. * Bicycling *
A fascinating mix of bicycling memories, observations, and experiences the author has gathered during a lifetime of cycling ... This very personal book, doled in short, easily digestible doses, packs a meal that ultimately satisfies deeply * ForeWord *
