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'Read it and you'll be instantly transported back to a golden age of our sport. You'll get the whiff of embrocation in your nostrils.' Roger St Pierre, Cycling Plus
Product Description
For much of cycling's "Fabulous Fifties" it was Brian Robinson alone who flew the flag for Britain abroad - that is until three young men set out to emulate his success, starting from ground zero. This book tells the story of how, along with fellow Yorkshireman Vic Sutton and South Londoner John Andrew, the intrepid Tony Hewson set off to conquer the European racing scene, first off in an old, battered, converted ex-WD ambulance, then in an oil-leaking pre-war Wolseley with a caravan in tow. Variously mistaken for gypsies, terrorists, undertakers, even market traders, these were our original cash-starved, have-a-go pioneers, whose inspiration prompted Tom Simpson and succeeding generations of would-be stars to cross the Channel. It is an often hilarious sometimes sad but never bitter saga of daring-do that found the trio rubbing shoulders with Coppi, Anquetil, Van Looy and the other greats of the era. It tells of how Andrews won a place in the prestigious Mercier-BP trade team and of how Sutton conquered the headlines with a brilliant display of climbing in the mountaains of the 1959 Tour and its relates Hewson's own pickings of primes and placings in after-Tour criteriums. It also provides a wonderfully evocative insight into what life was like in France and Belgium back in that far-off era.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
One of the best bike culture books I have read. To have the dream and eventually to live the dream in post war Europe is testimony to the extraordinary ambition of these three/four racers. Atmospheric and sensitively written with great humility in having achieved what so many can only contemplate. A beautiful read.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As an ex cyclist I loved the description of the racing scene and enjoyed sharing the experience of life on the road in the fast lane. The brave step into the unknown (as it was in the 1950s) of Continental living and racing is recounted with feeling and the trials and tribulations are a good lesson in determination which can be applied to everyday life.
For many readers this book will reveal the racing successes of what might have been for themselves if they had grasped the continental handlebars. For others it provides an insight into the fortunes and resourcefulness of an intrepid bunch of pioneers living on their wits and skills in a foreign land. Like the early pioneers in the wagon trains crossing the US these men served as prime examples for the followers as they tackled the unknown. These followers now regularly take their racing wheels to the continent.
A must read for all who dream of continental racing.
For many readers this book will reveal the racing successes of what might have been for themselves if they had grasped the continental handlebars. For others it provides an insight into the fortunes and resourcefulness of an intrepid bunch of pioneers living on their wits and skills in a foreign land. Like the early pioneers in the wagon trains crossing the US these men served as prime examples for the followers as they tackled the unknown. These followers now regularly take their racing wheels to the continent.
A must read for all who dream of continental racing.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An excellent book, captures the almost innocence of the 50's and the true 'englishmen abroad'
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
Most Recent Customer Reviews
As it was
I was in Belgium as an amateur at the same time and this is exactly as it was, this book kept the memories flooding back some good some not so good, but well worth the experience. Read more
Published 14 months ago by don forrester
Old school cyclists
This book was recommended by David Harmon on the Eurosport TDF coverage.Thanks David.
I have read many books on cycling, biogs/memoirs and this was a pleasure to read. Read more
I have read many books on cycling, biogs/memoirs and this was a pleasure to read. Read more
Published 19 months ago by bazspark
A terrific story by a pioneer
Tony Hewson's story of his attempt to make the grade as a professional cyclist in Europe makes compelling reading. Read more
Published on 29 April 2009 by J. Richards
an excellent read
this book made a subject I knew little about come alive, and I could not put it down.
Published on 16 Feb 2007 by S. M. Aston
Before the money took over
I wanted this book to go on and on. What a great read. The last great years of cyling. There was very little help from any organisations, "get off your backside and do it yourself"... Read more
Published on 26 Aug 2006 by Mr. Geoffrey Rees
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