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Magic Spanner
Mr Cycling, Eurosport commentator Carlton Kirby, offers an expert, behind-the-scenes view of the world's greatest cycling races, including the Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana, Giro d'Italia and the classics.
Written with a candid and amusing authority that comes from over 25 years of sports commentary with Eurosport, Carlton Kirby gives an insider's view of competitive cycling delivered in the inimitable, humorous, and at times outspoken style for which he has become globally famous.
Peppered with hilarious anecdotes of life on the road with Tour legend Sean Kelly, Kirby indulges in some soap-box moments to lambast his various bugbears, from crazy spectators in mankinis and lazy Italian monks to the more serious issues of rider safety, team strategies and questionable ethics.
With his mix of expert opinion and trademark wit, Carlton covers the funny, the serious, the heartbreaking, and the more bizarre moments of professional cycling.
Written with a candid and amusing authority that comes from over 25 years of sports commentary with Eurosport, Carlton Kirby gives an insider's view of competitive cycling delivered in the inimitable, humorous, and at times outspoken style for which he has become globally famous.
Peppered with hilarious anecdotes of life on the road with Tour legend Sean Kelly, Kirby indulges in some soap-box moments to lambast his various bugbears, from crazy spectators in mankinis and lazy Italian monks to the more serious issues of rider safety, team strategies and questionable ethics.
With his mix of expert opinion and trademark wit, Carlton covers the funny, the serious, the heartbreaking, and the more bizarre moments of professional cycling.
- GenresCyclingNonfictionSports
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
64 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 8, 2019
I’m not exactly a rabid cycling fan. In fact, I’m more of a dilettante: I watch the Tour because I live in France, and so I have, by osmosis, become a Carlton Kirby adherent. It’s unavoidable, especially when you add in his immensely entertaining commentary on the Dakar Rally and the Le Mans 24-Hours. This book is a delight to read and has filled in a few of the yawning gaps in my knowledge but more importantly, it’s a thumping good read. I devoured it in days.
June 27, 2021
This ought to be 2 stars if it weren’t for the few paragraphs of insight scattered throughout the book. I’m ambivalent about Kirby as a commentator but this is a good example of why he’s so divisive. Large parts of this are pointless drivel and more than one anecdote is clearly total rubbish or exaggerated for ‘comic’ effect. It’s easy enough to read though so probably worth breezing through in a couple of days for anyone that follows cycling.
June 17, 2019
Carlton is a commentator on who people have definite opinions- there is a well worn cliché based on a certain yeast extract that I could drop in here but won't. Personally I like Carlton- yes, occasionally he can be infuriating but he knows his job and he does it well- his passion for cycling is real and he isn't afraid to show it (listen to his commentary on Keisse's famous Tour of Turkey stage win or him audibly welling up as he described Stijn Devolder continually battling to come back to the head of the leading group despite countless incidences of bad luck during Paris-Roubaix a few years back). His mastery of language, puns, and stream-of-consciousness verbiage, often in the heat of the battle is to be admired as well as his irreverent lifting of the curtain showing us back stage at the world's biggest cycling races.
So I was looking forward to seeing if this book would reflect his on-screen (or at least on-mic) personality, and it does. The content is strewn with Kirby-isms (probably the most Kirbylike of all being the one about Henri Cornet- I won't spoil it!) so reading it, can at times be like listening to him calling a close GC-shaping summit finish. The tempo throughout seems to reflect that of a stage- sometimes flowing along then suddenly a burst of action, followed by some more calmness before a final flurry. He covers incidents in the race, on the road, in the booth and in media circus and a lot of the tales that involve Sean Kelly or Daniel Lloyd seem to match up perfectly with the personas they project on screen. In fact they are such central characters they could almost qualify as being credited as co-authors.
One of the things you can definitely say about Carlton is that he has got a high level of self-awareness and this comes through- he is confident in his abilities and at times it may veer a wee bit towards Milwall-esque "No one likes me and I don't care" it is clear he has no misconceptions as to where he sits in regards his profession , almost taking on and relishing the role of the confident pub raconteur, holding court on many subjects and professing on them without fear of contradiction.
The actual content of the book is on the whole every illuminating and humorous. However some of this is lost when he insists on falling back onto lazy, national stereotypes when describing the actions of others- in many cases he refers to them by nationality rather than name, as if that was some kind of explanation as to why they acted the way they did. On the other hand when he is talking about British riders, he goes into great detail to highlight their differences in character and personality and portrays them more as whole people rather than the other Europeans who are often reduced to hackneyed descriptions. Also his clear love of Team Sky/ INEOS and their riders seems to prevent him from criticising them at all, unlike other individuals or teams in the book. Carlton is probably the only person involved in cycling who thinks Sky PR played a blinder in relation to the scandals and situations they have found themselves embroiled in. His profile of Froome plays up some rather unattractive personality traits but presents them as laudable, and doesn't even mention the Sabutomol case- it is only mentioned later in passing in a different part of the book, and when he profiles Wiggins, there is no mention of the TUE stuff either. There is a blind acceptance that Froome was cleared in regards his difficulties despite the fact that he was not vindicated- a rider with fewer capital resources behind him would still currently be serving a suspension.
Maybe this is the difficulty with producing a book while still working in the media around cycling- it is clear that anything touching on criticism of Sky/Ineos would run the risk of him impacting Eurosport's access to them which they can't afford- see Brailsford's reaction to other media outlets in the past and indeed Carlton admitting here about having to apologise on-air to Froome who had texted him following coverage of an incident at the Veulta- despite Kirby being in the right saying what he said. It is unfortunate because this does spoil the behind-the -scenes no holds barred view that this book is being sold as. Also he gets a wee bit "Little Englander" towards the end when saying that he gets great pleasure about the fact the British riders have been so successful to the detriment of the traditional cycling powers in Europe- an element of exceptionalism normally found in the letters pages of the Daily Mail that doesn't seem to sit so well particularly taking cycling's more internationalist outlook into consideration.
So in summary, some very nice anecdotes, an interesting reflection on elements of life in the cycling bubble but just a bit too much "Johnny Foreigner doesn't like it up 'em" and granting full absolution for Team Sky despite their sins not necessarily having been fully disclosed in the confessional.
So I was looking forward to seeing if this book would reflect his on-screen (or at least on-mic) personality, and it does. The content is strewn with Kirby-isms (probably the most Kirbylike of all being the one about Henri Cornet- I won't spoil it!) so reading it, can at times be like listening to him calling a close GC-shaping summit finish. The tempo throughout seems to reflect that of a stage- sometimes flowing along then suddenly a burst of action, followed by some more calmness before a final flurry. He covers incidents in the race, on the road, in the booth and in media circus and a lot of the tales that involve Sean Kelly or Daniel Lloyd seem to match up perfectly with the personas they project on screen. In fact they are such central characters they could almost qualify as being credited as co-authors.
One of the things you can definitely say about Carlton is that he has got a high level of self-awareness and this comes through- he is confident in his abilities and at times it may veer a wee bit towards Milwall-esque "No one likes me and I don't care" it is clear he has no misconceptions as to where he sits in regards his profession , almost taking on and relishing the role of the confident pub raconteur, holding court on many subjects and professing on them without fear of contradiction.
The actual content of the book is on the whole every illuminating and humorous. However some of this is lost when he insists on falling back onto lazy, national stereotypes when describing the actions of others- in many cases he refers to them by nationality rather than name, as if that was some kind of explanation as to why they acted the way they did. On the other hand when he is talking about British riders, he goes into great detail to highlight their differences in character and personality and portrays them more as whole people rather than the other Europeans who are often reduced to hackneyed descriptions. Also his clear love of Team Sky/ INEOS and their riders seems to prevent him from criticising them at all, unlike other individuals or teams in the book. Carlton is probably the only person involved in cycling who thinks Sky PR played a blinder in relation to the scandals and situations they have found themselves embroiled in. His profile of Froome plays up some rather unattractive personality traits but presents them as laudable, and doesn't even mention the Sabutomol case- it is only mentioned later in passing in a different part of the book, and when he profiles Wiggins, there is no mention of the TUE stuff either. There is a blind acceptance that Froome was cleared in regards his difficulties despite the fact that he was not vindicated- a rider with fewer capital resources behind him would still currently be serving a suspension.
Maybe this is the difficulty with producing a book while still working in the media around cycling- it is clear that anything touching on criticism of Sky/Ineos would run the risk of him impacting Eurosport's access to them which they can't afford- see Brailsford's reaction to other media outlets in the past and indeed Carlton admitting here about having to apologise on-air to Froome who had texted him following coverage of an incident at the Veulta- despite Kirby being in the right saying what he said. It is unfortunate because this does spoil the behind-the -scenes no holds barred view that this book is being sold as. Also he gets a wee bit "Little Englander" towards the end when saying that he gets great pleasure about the fact the British riders have been so successful to the detriment of the traditional cycling powers in Europe- an element of exceptionalism normally found in the letters pages of the Daily Mail that doesn't seem to sit so well particularly taking cycling's more internationalist outlook into consideration.
So in summary, some very nice anecdotes, an interesting reflection on elements of life in the cycling bubble but just a bit too much "Johnny Foreigner doesn't like it up 'em" and granting full absolution for Team Sky despite their sins not necessarily having been fully disclosed in the confessional.
July 4, 2019
If you enjoy cycling, watching the Grand Tours, or just the Tour de France, Carlton Kirby is a voice synonymous with the world of professional cycling.
The man on commentary, who sustains a continuous stream of comment, opinion, anecdote, interesting facts, the odd joke and humorous aside, as well as explaining what is happening in the race, the stage profile, the tactics and machinations - often for hours at end.
But so much goes on between stages. The world of cycling broadcasting when the mics are switched off.
At last, Carlton Kirby has revealed all. Literally. To some Japanese. But read the book....
Full of insight, forthright opinion, funny stories tales of Sean Kelly's driving. A very enjoyable book.
To some people Carlton is a love/hate figure. Which he addresses. A Marmite man.
I like Marmite.
The man on commentary, who sustains a continuous stream of comment, opinion, anecdote, interesting facts, the odd joke and humorous aside, as well as explaining what is happening in the race, the stage profile, the tactics and machinations - often for hours at end.
But so much goes on between stages. The world of cycling broadcasting when the mics are switched off.
At last, Carlton Kirby has revealed all. Literally. To some Japanese. But read the book....
Full of insight, forthright opinion, funny stories tales of Sean Kelly's driving. A very enjoyable book.
To some people Carlton is a love/hate figure. Which he addresses. A Marmite man.
I like Marmite.
Read
April 6, 2024Pure candy for me: cycling anecdotes, obscurities, and silliness. I'm living for the Sean Kelly glimpses.
January 9, 2021
Sadly as it turns out, living in the U.S. I wasn't very familiar with Carlton Kirby's Eurosport bicycle commentary, being accustomed instead to Bob Roll and Phil Liggett (who do a fine job, but...). After reading this book, I will make an effort to seek out some of his work on YouTube. This book is full of anecdotes that often had me laughing out loud, in addition to a lot of behind-the-scenes information on professional bicycle racing (Eurosport, i.e. Tour de France, La Vuelta, Giro de Italia, etc.). If you are interested in bike racing, this book is a must-read imo. Well done.
July 23, 2021
Carlton Kirby is the living embodiment of accidental Partridge. With his somewhat self aggrandising anecdotes and varied love letters to the British cyclists that have stuck it to the French/Italian lot over the last decade, it is no wonder he's not universally appreciated by the serious cycling marks. But I, for one, wouldn't want to watch the tour de France without the company of Kirby and Kelly (who is present in spirit thanks to Kirby's touching impressions of him in the audiobook) and, aside from that, it's actually a pretty entertaining book.
June 5, 2023
As someone who is neutral to Carlton Kirby in that I haven't watched or followed cycling enough to recognize him, this book was a good casual read. There seems to be a lot of breadth and not a lot of depth. It's an easy read and probably good for the casual cycling fan, but I've read a bunch of biographies and this just seemed to scratch the surface of a bunch of different cyclists careers and races. This is a great intro book of you're just getting into cycling though. Good insight into some of the specific in broadcasting the tour though.
Read
August 3, 2020The Marmite King
You either love him or hate him. Yet, in fairness, yet does have a way with words; the correct words but not necessarily in the right order.
This is an easy read, with some laugh out loud moments and some very cringeworthy ones too. Do NOT be put off by the opening scene; you will have an image that you will need to bleach from your mind but stay with it.
I enjoyed it so much, I finished it in a day.
You either love him or hate him. Yet, in fairness, yet does have a way with words; the correct words but not necessarily in the right order.
This is an easy read, with some laugh out loud moments and some very cringeworthy ones too. Do NOT be put off by the opening scene; you will have an image that you will need to bleach from your mind but stay with it.
I enjoyed it so much, I finished it in a day.
April 10, 2023
I love watching eurosport cycling coverage and listening to carlton kirby, so i found this book enjoyable, funny and interesting. It would be good to see what readers who are not as familiar with either the author:commentator or the sport think. Its definitely easy to read as each chapter covers a different topic. So you can dip in and out. I will definitely be buying the follow-up when it is released next month. 7.5/10
August 25, 2025
Oh Carlton. So much commentary experience, on the road experience, behind the scenes grand tour experience but yet he chooses to fill the book with what I presume he feels are ‘hilarious’ anecdotes involving nudity, drinking and having a wee. A book that truly told tales of life accompanying the peloton could have given us so much, but instead it gives us what I guess is sadly Carlton Kirby as we find him too often in commentary.
October 25, 2019
I have three favourite commentators, in the world of cycling races. Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwin (may he rest in peace), and Carlton Kirby (the author of this book).
'Magic Spanner' is a wonderfully amusing story, by Carlton, about his years as a commentator, in the only way he can tell it. The ups and downs downs.
Do yourself a favour and grab a copy of it. You won't regret it.
'Magic Spanner' is a wonderfully amusing story, by Carlton, about his years as a commentator, in the only way he can tell it. The ups and downs downs.
Do yourself a favour and grab a copy of it. You won't regret it.
September 19, 2020
Infectious
Carlton is disarmingly self-aware - take him or leave him, is his attitude, and once you move past that, this book is a thoroughly enjoyable insight, fleshing out the bones of what you think you sort-of-knew anyway about cycling but gives detail and anecdotes a-plenty to make it just what you wanted to read!
Carlton is disarmingly self-aware - take him or leave him, is his attitude, and once you move past that, this book is a thoroughly enjoyable insight, fleshing out the bones of what you think you sort-of-knew anyway about cycling but gives detail and anecdotes a-plenty to make it just what you wanted to read!
March 2, 2021
So I finally returned to reading after the debacles of Elevator Pitch and Without Fail.
I thought this would make me laugh and it did, a bit. There's also quite a lot telling me who won races and what certain cyclists have done. I love cycling, I've seen those cyclists and those races. So some of it was rather dull as well.
Sorry Carlton.
I thought this would make me laugh and it did, a bit. There's also quite a lot telling me who won races and what certain cyclists have done. I love cycling, I've seen those cyclists and those races. So some of it was rather dull as well.
Sorry Carlton.
December 26, 2021
A breezy, punchy book that gives such a strong insight into cycling and what it's like to be part of the Eurosport commentary team who cover it.
Well worth reading for the casual and keen sports fan. A real pleasure to read a commentators inside line on this most intriguing and fascinating sport.
Well worth reading for the casual and keen sports fan. A real pleasure to read a commentators inside line on this most intriguing and fascinating sport.
June 26, 2019
How can anyone not enjoy this book?
Having listened to CK for years and found him entertaining, irritating and definitely knowledgeable, this book has had me laughing my head off as well as in awe of his insight and passion for the great sport.
Having listened to CK for years and found him entertaining, irritating and definitely knowledgeable, this book has had me laughing my head off as well as in awe of his insight and passion for the great sport.
January 15, 2020
I am a confessed Carlton fan and enjoyed this, the one star down is only because I think his voice is part of the pleasure and without it some of the tales lack just that little something. Never-the-less one to keep on the shelves for those dark winter days when the wheels aren't turning.
October 13, 2020
I love cycling and listening to Carlton, enjoyed it to the most part but found the focus on British cyclists a bit too much and would have liked more broader insight into the peloton. I would have given it 3.5 stars but not an option!
November 16, 2020
A very enjoyable read for anyone who watch pro cycling, especially the grand tours. Carlton Kirby in his book gives a commentaters view of proceedings and his years long asociation with his fellow comrades. It is funny, educational and is mostly 'laugh out loud' 'kirby-isms'
A fab read.
A fab read.
December 4, 2020
Fantastic
Wonderfully written and gives a fantastic insight into the workings of the work put in to bring the magic of bike racing to all our homes. Highly recommend to any cycling fan.
Wonderfully written and gives a fantastic insight into the workings of the work put in to bring the magic of bike racing to all our homes. Highly recommend to any cycling fan.
August 19, 2023
really enjoyed that CK.
Loved reading this book and Sticky Bottle. Love listening/ watching the GCN coverage. Wish Carleton covered more races, because his commentary is the best.
Thanks,
JB
Loved reading this book and Sticky Bottle. Love listening/ watching the GCN coverage. Wish Carleton covered more races, because his commentary is the best.
Thanks,
JB
September 22, 2025
I love Carlton but unfortunately I should have listened to this 5-6 years ago. It's already a bit out of date - with disc brakes even the book title doesn't mean anything anymore. But still worth the read for anyone who loves world tour racing
July 11, 2019
Great book for an insight into the world of road racing. I love CK and so pleased he is back commentating for Le Tour.
July 17, 2019
The funniest book I have read in a long time!
August 15, 2019
An enjoyable read as Carlton's style comes across well. One star dropped though as it often felt a little light on detail.
September 10, 2019
Entertaining read, and I learnt a few things about the pro cycling world I wouldn't have found out any other way.
October 1, 2019
It's all about Carlton massaging his own ego and nothing insightful about sport. Sorry I wasted my time and money.
February 9, 2020
Good fun, would have loved a little more depth on some topics though.
July 11, 2020
Good fun!
If you enjoy Carlton's commentary then reading this book will be a joy. Nice to read of the life of a commentator .
Thoroughly recommended!
If you enjoy Carlton's commentary then reading this book will be a joy. Nice to read of the life of a commentator .
Thoroughly recommended!
August 6, 2020
Some interesting and some rather more boring stories from the road, nothing more, nothing less.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews