Push Yourself Just a Little Bit More: Backstage at the Tour De France

by Johnny Green

The former manager of Britain’s rock group, The Clash, casts an irreverent eye over the fast, extravagant spectacle that is Le Tour de France , as he takes fans “backstage” at the 2003/04 tours for an unorthodox account of the world’s greatest race. Catch the buzz as he mingles with press, roadies and trophy girls and penetrates the inner sanctum to chat with celebrities like Sheryl Crow and David Millar. Feel the rush and meet the today’s greats, Armstrong and Cipollini; yesteryear’s Merckx and Koblet; and tomorrow’s rising stars. No other book gets as close to the race or better uncovers the essence of the French love affair with Le Tour and what keeps the greatest race on the planet on track.

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jtomassetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

PUSH YOURSELF JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE by Johnny Green is another perspective on the 2004 Tour De France. This one, however, is not rom the riders’ viewpoint. Johnny Green was the road manager of the Clash who managed to get press passes for the 2004 tour. He has more in common with Sheryl Crow than with Lance Armstrong. The book covers Jim Morrison and Hank Williams as much as it does the race. This British rocker fills the book with punters, birds, and ju-ju and if you don’t understand it or don’t like it, you’re probably just aren’t cool enough.

However, in the end Johnny Green is a cycling fan and he gives a great perspective on the carnival that surrounds the tour. He also gives you riders the other books ignored such as Mario Cipollini, Vladimir Karpets, and Ronny Schoitz. The photo section is good too.

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mildly Entertaining - Johnny Green takes a gonzo approach to reporting one Tour De France back in 2004 - and the thing about it is that is very dependent on who is the author is.

The tour is interesting and a fascinating spectacle - Mr. Green with his wild eyed geezer stories is a little less so as is his endless talk of ju-ju and his street knowledge. Gonzo does depend on the Gonz.

I learned some new things - like Jacques Anquetil's ability as a serial seducer but you come away from the book with the impression that you would be moving for the exit door after one pint in the company of Mr. Green.