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Lance Armstrong : Tour De Force
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 20, 2026
For me, Cycling, like Boxing and Cricket has the capacity to attract good writers writing well. And I found this to be one of the better books about cycling i've read. While the book peaks at Lance Armstrong's win at the 2004 Tour de France, it builds to there from training camps and races long before the main event, and covers in detail, lots of other characters, all of whom are connected to the main character.
The book is not flagged as being authorised or official but it seems sure Armstrong and his team knew of it, in one chapter the author delivers a draft of the book to Armstrong. If what happened subsequently had not happened, i would say it reads as a balanced and fair account. Knowing what we know now, i think one must wonder as much at what was left out as kept in.
Because of what happened later, i found this to be a poignant read. Very few of the heroes of the book remain heroes now, the main character certainly doesn't. For what it's worth, for all that i now know, and i'm certainly glad the truth is out, i continue to admire Armstrong's talent and drive. The question of whether or not he would have won the titles he did without the unfair advantages he had will perhaps never be answered. I suspect he would still have been a very good cyclist and it's a tantalising thought to wonder how good a Triathlete he would have become.
The irony that professional cycling, perhaps still thought of as "tainted" or "dirty" does seem to be one of the best sports at finding and punishing rule-breakers is not lost on me, i suspect it isn't on those involved.
If you want a snapshot of the 2004 Tour de France and of the people who then won the race, i recommend this book. It's comprehensive, and very readable.
The book is not flagged as being authorised or official but it seems sure Armstrong and his team knew of it, in one chapter the author delivers a draft of the book to Armstrong. If what happened subsequently had not happened, i would say it reads as a balanced and fair account. Knowing what we know now, i think one must wonder as much at what was left out as kept in.
Because of what happened later, i found this to be a poignant read. Very few of the heroes of the book remain heroes now, the main character certainly doesn't. For what it's worth, for all that i now know, and i'm certainly glad the truth is out, i continue to admire Armstrong's talent and drive. The question of whether or not he would have won the titles he did without the unfair advantages he had will perhaps never be answered. I suspect he would still have been a very good cyclist and it's a tantalising thought to wonder how good a Triathlete he would have become.
The irony that professional cycling, perhaps still thought of as "tainted" or "dirty" does seem to be one of the best sports at finding and punishing rule-breakers is not lost on me, i suspect it isn't on those involved.
If you want a snapshot of the 2004 Tour de France and of the people who then won the race, i recommend this book. It's comprehensive, and very readable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2012
After reading this book i felt a greater appreciation for Lance Armstrong and anyone going through cancer. This autobiography talks about Lances childhhod (being raise by a single mum)and his story how he became such a famous bike rider.The book goes through his time with brain and testicular cancer and how he managed to survive through all the treatment.
Im not really interested in bike riding but I was told that the story behind Lance was amazing so I found this novel. I was sucked into his story after the first chapter and I was amazed how such a well known athlete can have such a rollicoastered past. After reading this I can say the Lance Armstrong is an insperational man!
Im not really interested in bike riding but I was told that the story behind Lance was amazing so I found this novel. I was sucked into his story after the first chapter and I was amazed how such a well known athlete can have such a rollicoastered past. After reading this I can say the Lance Armstrong is an insperational man!
September 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, which I found to be an easy and catching read. Had it on my shelf to read for years, then the big cheat and admissions, or lack denials, came out, then I dropped it. Finally this summer I sped through it. Well written and researched, hats off for the author who has done his homework. As for all the cheaters out there in sport, shame on you!
October 5, 2011
I wanted to read the Lance armstrong story since a long time and got to know about this book.. Initially it was a good read, but once you cross 4-5 chapters, u feel that he is more talking about this freinds, team and competitors..U need to have a lot of patience to read it fully.
March 5, 2011
Cyclists sure take a beating!
September 30, 2011
Some good bits, esp. the sections covering the TDF stages.
But I didn't find it very engaging overall. So so.
But I didn't find it very engaging overall. So so.
August 28, 2016
Need to re-read this one after the big news. Loved the setting of the big tour though... pity about the revelations
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March 29, 2013 Holy cow, I followed Lance's cycling career and read all his books, now, it just makes me sad , for he did accomplish so much and it is wasted, his legacy is ruined!
March 27, 2014
Great read and an even better showing of grit and determination in never giving up.
December 17, 2012
Read this years ago and thought it was brilliant. Pity it left out the bit about him cheating!!
February 23, 2016
Just started but looking good, to see the man from a third party perspective. Actually very good!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews