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Review
'An unassuming classic' De Groene, Amsterdammer; 'A great read about the often sordid business of pro cycling - outstanding' Het Volk
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For a century professional cycle racing on the Continent has been shaped by a complex relationship between three groups: newspapers and television which organised the races and reported them; industry which sponsored the teams of riders; and the riders themselves. They have always needed each other but, because their interests are different, they have continually been in conflict with one another. The one interest they do share is in endowing cycle racing with its unique character - its emphasis on heroism and an extraordinary willingness on the part of the rider to suffer. So, the stories about the races and the riders have always been somewhat taller than the reality. In this most elegant and insightful book, Dutch sociologist Benjo Maso identifies the truth behind the legends of cycle racing, and the Tour de France in particular, as he effortlessly weaves this compelling history of the sport.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I never expected this to be a very in depth history of cycling, it isn't a very large book and there is a lot of history to cover. The book does give a good overview of the history of professional road racing, starting with a very interesting chapter on the earliest races in Paris and covering thoughtfully the commercial motives of the organisers.
In fact the main strength of this book is that it gives a good overview of how and why changes happened in the sport, these are mostly for financial reasons but the interested parties change with time. Starting with newspapers, then manufacturers and finally outside sponsors. Without this wider view the development of cycling makes little or no sense. The author makes the book an entertaining read and the little pieces of myth busting are rather enlightening. Maso forms a strong argument about why riders of the past are regarded as greats in a way that no cyclist since the 60's has been.
My only problems with the book are that it tends to focus on the Tour de France, I realise that this is the greatest race around and that it is a very slim book but I had hoped for a little bit more on other races. There is a section on the Giro and a few pages on the spring classics but I don't remember reading a single word about the Vuelta the third grand tour.
On a personal level I don't agree with Maso's views as to doping which has probably coloured my recollection of the book as this is the focus of the last chapter of the book but as a whole this is a entertaining read which gives a really good idea of the way that cycling has changed over the hundred plus years that races have been run.
In fact the main strength of this book is that it gives a good overview of how and why changes happened in the sport, these are mostly for financial reasons but the interested parties change with time. Starting with newspapers, then manufacturers and finally outside sponsors. Without this wider view the development of cycling makes little or no sense. The author makes the book an entertaining read and the little pieces of myth busting are rather enlightening. Maso forms a strong argument about why riders of the past are regarded as greats in a way that no cyclist since the 60's has been.
My only problems with the book are that it tends to focus on the Tour de France, I realise that this is the greatest race around and that it is a very slim book but I had hoped for a little bit more on other races. There is a section on the Giro and a few pages on the spring classics but I don't remember reading a single word about the Vuelta the third grand tour.
On a personal level I don't agree with Maso's views as to doping which has probably coloured my recollection of the book as this is the focus of the last chapter of the book but as a whole this is a entertaining read which gives a really good idea of the way that cycling has changed over the hundred plus years that races have been run.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Not much about British cycling, but a cracking read about the media/industry/cycling interface. Very enjoyable to read and a complete page-turner. Recommended to anyone interested in cycling and the history of cycling.
Format:Paperback
A very well researched book about the myths and legends of the cycling Gods from the time before TV cameras. Don't read this book if you don't want your impression of the cycling heroes from times past brought down to earth, as Benjo Maso reveals some of the truths behind the legends and the motivations behind the creation of these myths.
Don't get me wrong, the cyclists from that era were no doubt superb athletes, but I think today's cyclists would match up to their predecessors in terms of performance, but the presence of TV cameras and other media will prevent them being elevated to God-like status.
An essential read, if you want a rounded view of the early years of the Tour.
Don't get me wrong, the cyclists from that era were no doubt superb athletes, but I think today's cyclists would match up to their predecessors in terms of performance, but the presence of TV cameras and other media will prevent them being elevated to God-like status.
An essential read, if you want a rounded view of the early years of the Tour.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Sweat of the Gods
Not bad reading but has a lot of material I have already read in other books on cycling history. Book arrived in mint condition and was delivery promptly. Read more
Published on 13 May 2010 by Spilly
The Sweat of the Gods
Provides a stunning insight into the achievements and personalities of a golden age of cycling.
Brilliantly written and a superb translation.
Brilliantly written and a superb translation.
Published on 8 April 2008 by Daniel Hayes
As good as it gets...
A refreshing insight into the myths and legends of professional cycling, and a cracking good read. A must for any committed fan.
Published on 8 April 2008 by Het volk
Fantasic history and stories of the Tour De France
I have read this book and it was quite interesting. While being a medium size book, it is filled with a wealth of information, rich in stories, and gives an excellent timeline of... Read more
Published on 22 Aug 2005 by Bruce A. Johnston
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