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Tour de Force: My history-making Tour de France
From illness and mental health challenges to becoming the most successful British cyclist at the age of 22, Mark Cavendish shares his inspiring account of his record-breaking rise to the top of the world's biggest cycling stage at the 2021 Tour de France.
Deep down, Mark Cavendish thought he was finished. After illness, setbacks and clinical depression, the once fastest man in the world had been written off by most. And at the age of 36, even he believed his explosive cycling career would fade out with a whimper. The Manxman hadn't won a single Grand Tour stage in Italy, Spain, or France since 2016.
But then came his incredible resurrection at the 2021 Tour de France. Included on the Deceuninck Quick-Step team at the very last minute, only after Sam Bennett suffered an injury, Mark set about rewriting history. He claimed back the green jersey he first wore in 2011, and his four stage victories finally saw him matching Belgian legend Eddy Merckx's all-time record of 34 Tour de France stage wins. Cycling greats are never content, and Cavendish's dogged determination and inner strength had earned him the record that few believed he could ever achieve. This is his own intimate account of that race, right from the saddle of the miracle tour.
Praise for Tour de
"The greatest comeback in sports history." —GQ magazine
"A miracle." —Eddy Merckx
Deep down, Mark Cavendish thought he was finished. After illness, setbacks and clinical depression, the once fastest man in the world had been written off by most. And at the age of 36, even he believed his explosive cycling career would fade out with a whimper. The Manxman hadn't won a single Grand Tour stage in Italy, Spain, or France since 2016.
But then came his incredible resurrection at the 2021 Tour de France. Included on the Deceuninck Quick-Step team at the very last minute, only after Sam Bennett suffered an injury, Mark set about rewriting history. He claimed back the green jersey he first wore in 2011, and his four stage victories finally saw him matching Belgian legend Eddy Merckx's all-time record of 34 Tour de France stage wins. Cycling greats are never content, and Cavendish's dogged determination and inner strength had earned him the record that few believed he could ever achieve. This is his own intimate account of that race, right from the saddle of the miracle tour.
Praise for Tour de
"The greatest comeback in sports history." —GQ magazine
"A miracle." —Eddy Merckx
- GenresNonfiction
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
17 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 5, 2024
I have followed the Tour since the 80s, so I'm a newcomer.
The more I watched the Tour the more I learned about the dynamics of the race.
I also started routing for my favorite riders, which include Cavendish.
Cavendish grew up on the Isle of Man where one of the fastest motorcycle races in the world takes place.
And Cavendish became one of the fastest sprinters in the world.
At the writing of the book, Cavendish tided the record as the most sprint wins in the race.
The book takes a look at what it takes to be a winner at the Tour and all races. The sacrifices involve time and family. Cav talks at length about his family and how supportive they were during the lead-up to the Tour, especially since this Tour is considered his come-back Tour.
A great read for the cyclist and for people who like to be inspired.
The more I watched the Tour the more I learned about the dynamics of the race.
I also started routing for my favorite riders, which include Cavendish.
Cavendish grew up on the Isle of Man where one of the fastest motorcycle races in the world takes place.
And Cavendish became one of the fastest sprinters in the world.
At the writing of the book, Cavendish tided the record as the most sprint wins in the race.
The book takes a look at what it takes to be a winner at the Tour and all races. The sacrifices involve time and family. Cav talks at length about his family and how supportive they were during the lead-up to the Tour, especially since this Tour is considered his come-back Tour.
A great read for the cyclist and for people who like to be inspired.
February 18, 2025
Mark is a sensitive and passionate guy, and he takes you through his emotional roller coaster one pedal stroke at a time.
It’s clear that he absolutely loves his family, and loves the Tour de France.
The first half of the book is called ‘the return’ where he talks about his depression, and how he used to think it was something you could ‘snap out of’.
He talks about his intense training, about his struggles of how he cares what others think of him. And his struggles of finding a new team.
The second half of the book ‘the tour’ drags on a bit. It details every stage of the 2021 Tour de France. As much as I loved reading about it, I guess my add brain found it a bit laborious.
I found the book to be well written. Almost … too well written. I think that the ghost author did a great job here, but sometimes it doesn’t read like an autobiography… feels more like the words from someone else’s mouth which detracts from the books authenticity.
It’s clear that he absolutely loves his family, and loves the Tour de France.
The first half of the book is called ‘the return’ where he talks about his depression, and how he used to think it was something you could ‘snap out of’.
He talks about his intense training, about his struggles of how he cares what others think of him. And his struggles of finding a new team.
The second half of the book ‘the tour’ drags on a bit. It details every stage of the 2021 Tour de France. As much as I loved reading about it, I guess my add brain found it a bit laborious.
I found the book to be well written. Almost … too well written. I think that the ghost author did a great job here, but sometimes it doesn’t read like an autobiography… feels more like the words from someone else’s mouth which detracts from the books authenticity.
November 3, 2022
Excellent!
Mark’s recalling of the day to day gives the reader an unique insight into the peloton. The personalities and tactics we often cannot see through our TV lens are there to read about! Thank you for this glimpse!
Mark’s recalling of the day to day gives the reader an unique insight into the peloton. The personalities and tactics we often cannot see through our TV lens are there to read about! Thank you for this glimpse!
July 4, 2024
Great book! Gives a real insight into Cavendish's Tour in 2021. It also gives a great insight into the life in the peloton and the struggles it comes with.
December 29, 2023
Excellent read. It has so much detail that it gives a great insight into what is involved in the Tour De France. Mark Cavendish gives a blow by blow account of how he prepared for the race, details about each stage as well as strategy of the team, and even some about other teams. This now gives me a much better understanding about the whole race going forward as well as that years event.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews