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In Search of Robert Millar: Unravelling the Mystery Surrounding Britain's Most Successful Tour De France Cyclist
The compelling story of Britain's best-ever cyclist, this book looks to unravel the puzzle surrounding his sudden and dramatic disappearance. Cyclist Robert Millar came from one of Europe's most industrialized cities, Glasgow, to excel in the most unlikely terrain—over the high mountain passes of the Pyrenees and the Alps. He was crowned King of the Mountains during the 1984 Tour de France and remains the only ever Briton to finish on the podium of the world's toughest race. Through interviews with Millar's friends, acquaintances, cycling colleagues and ex-classmates, the author seeks to unravel the mystery of this maverick Scotsman, arguably one of the greatest enigmas in a sport full of remarkable characters.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2007
49 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Richard Moore
17 books67 followersRichard Moore is a freelance journalist and author. His first book, In Search of Robert Millar (HarperSport), won Best Biography at the 2008 British Sports Book Awards. His second book, Heroes, Villains & Velodromes (HarperSport), was long-listed for the 2008 William Hill Sports Book of the Year.
He is also the author of Slaying the Badger: LeMond, Hinault and the Greatest Ever Tour de France (Yellow Jersey, May 2011), and Sky’s the Limit: British Cycling’s Quest to Conquer the Tour de France (HarperSport, June 2011).
His latest book, The Dirtiest Race in History: Ben Johnson, Carl Lewis and the 1988 Olympic 100m final, will be published by Wisden Sports Writing in June, 2012.
He is also a former racing cyclist who represented Scotland at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at the 1998 Tour de Langkawi.
He is also the author of Slaying the Badger: LeMond, Hinault and the Greatest Ever Tour de France (Yellow Jersey, May 2011), and Sky’s the Limit: British Cycling’s Quest to Conquer the Tour de France (HarperSport, June 2011).
His latest book, The Dirtiest Race in History: Ben Johnson, Carl Lewis and the 1988 Olympic 100m final, will be published by Wisden Sports Writing in June, 2012.
He is also a former racing cyclist who represented Scotland at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at the 1998 Tour de Langkawi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 3, 2024
A brilliant but above all sensitive biography of Philippa York’s life as Robert Millar.
When I first set out to read this book, the title concerned me. Would the “search” mentioned be intrusive and distasteful? This biography is from 2007, ten years before York publicly revealed her transition but 7 years after the Sunday Mail’s horrifically vulgar article in 2000 speculating about what they archaically termed a “sex change”. Would Moore be light on career details and such, and instead resort to tabloid-esque prying and speculation?
Alas, I clearly thought too little of Moore, because no, the exact opposite is true. The vast majority of the book is an exceptionally well-researched and truly insightful recount of the career of someone who I would now deem as the most influential and inspiring British pro cyclist of the 20th century. Moore himself is a former racing cyclist, and this appears to have gained him access to speak to some fantastic people who could give genuine insight into the person then known as Robert Millar. A truly unique character with commendable drive and passion, it was a wonderful read. The best thing about cycling biographies is how virtually always the subject has some sort of fascinating personality that can’t quite be replicated amongst other sportspeople.
The small part of the book that does deal with the “search” is to be applauded for its tact. In the most part it takes the form of correspondence with York, who is thus able to say as much or as little as wished. It is truly responsible journalism.
And finally, there is a brilliant article in The Guardian from 2017 interviewing York, where she states that it is because of a change in views that she felt she could return to public life and commentary/punditry. I can only hope she still feels comfortable in the face of anti-trans views becoming horrendously mainstream as a result of public figures and political parties engaging in rash populism in an attempt to curry favour and kick out. Not to mention, cycling federations like British Cycling and the UCI giving into to such bullies. We must do better.
When I first set out to read this book, the title concerned me. Would the “search” mentioned be intrusive and distasteful? This biography is from 2007, ten years before York publicly revealed her transition but 7 years after the Sunday Mail’s horrifically vulgar article in 2000 speculating about what they archaically termed a “sex change”. Would Moore be light on career details and such, and instead resort to tabloid-esque prying and speculation?
Alas, I clearly thought too little of Moore, because no, the exact opposite is true. The vast majority of the book is an exceptionally well-researched and truly insightful recount of the career of someone who I would now deem as the most influential and inspiring British pro cyclist of the 20th century. Moore himself is a former racing cyclist, and this appears to have gained him access to speak to some fantastic people who could give genuine insight into the person then known as Robert Millar. A truly unique character with commendable drive and passion, it was a wonderful read. The best thing about cycling biographies is how virtually always the subject has some sort of fascinating personality that can’t quite be replicated amongst other sportspeople.
The small part of the book that does deal with the “search” is to be applauded for its tact. In the most part it takes the form of correspondence with York, who is thus able to say as much or as little as wished. It is truly responsible journalism.
And finally, there is a brilliant article in The Guardian from 2017 interviewing York, where she states that it is because of a change in views that she felt she could return to public life and commentary/punditry. I can only hope she still feels comfortable in the face of anti-trans views becoming horrendously mainstream as a result of public figures and political parties engaging in rash populism in an attempt to curry favour and kick out. Not to mention, cycling federations like British Cycling and the UCI giving into to such bullies. We must do better.
March 25, 2013
I am always excited to learn anything about cycling history, and this really filled in some gaps for me. Robert Millar's career was exciting and fascinating. His personal story, eh ... somewhat interesting.
What ended up distracting and frustrating the story was the author's adulation and delight for Millar. Moore's blind love for Millar demanded a comment on every little & tiny capsule of his life. Personally, I didn't find the thousands of comments valuable or interesting ... I was interested in the story itself. Moore really tried to be insightful ... but I think he failed.
The greatest insight to the story and the man, Millar, came from More's wonderful and extensive research and interviews. So many good quotes - they made the book worthwhile.
What ended up distracting and frustrating the story was the author's adulation and delight for Millar. Moore's blind love for Millar demanded a comment on every little & tiny capsule of his life. Personally, I didn't find the thousands of comments valuable or interesting ... I was interested in the story itself. Moore really tried to be insightful ... but I think he failed.
The greatest insight to the story and the man, Millar, came from More's wonderful and extensive research and interviews. So many good quotes - they made the book worthwhile.
January 26, 2015
Very interesting portrait of a great British cyclist who should have more recognition for his achievements.
November 19, 2010
This is probably the best cycling book I've read. I've only followed professional cycling for about 8 years. The book describes the career and life of Robert Millar as seen by his contemporaries. Richard Moore does a fine job describing the day to day life of top professional cyclists in the 80's and early 90's. It sheds a light on an era and riders of know of but never really knew.
June 29, 2009
If there's one book to read on the great Scotsman, this is it. I enjoyed it and still marvel at how good he was despite the mystery!
May 21, 2013
First rate writing about an unusually interesting racing cyclist.
March 25, 2019
Fascinating...the version of the book I have(it may have been updated since) ends with rumour of Millar having a sex change operation which at this point (in the book) seems to be just salacious tabloid gossip..however a quick Google shows that may have been the case and Millar has made a post operation return...
This however is in some ways irrelevant and is just of interest as it's the point where Millar seems to dissapear...what you do get from this book is a overview of a seemingly brusque(though maybe introverted) character who's achievements may have been superseded by the recent crop of U.K stars but whom helped lay the foundations for their glories.
Not just due to him being a mountain specialist this is a book of dizzying heights and some downs but ultimately I think it shows a golden age of Cycling when characters reigned...good stuff..and I hope Millar remains proud of where he was then and now.
This however is in some ways irrelevant and is just of interest as it's the point where Millar seems to dissapear...what you do get from this book is a overview of a seemingly brusque(though maybe introverted) character who's achievements may have been superseded by the recent crop of U.K stars but whom helped lay the foundations for their glories.
Not just due to him being a mountain specialist this is a book of dizzying heights and some downs but ultimately I think it shows a golden age of Cycling when characters reigned...good stuff..and I hope Millar remains proud of where he was then and now.
October 25, 2021
Enjoyed this book much more than I expected. Very interesting insight into a complex character.
July 12, 2014
I enjoyed this book but have to say that the lack of substantive input from the subject and from so many of the key figures in his life makes it hard to see as a definitive bio. This is not the author's fault - it seems that Millar and his family are very hard to pin down, but does make the author's attempts to psychoanalyse Millar rather inconclusive. I had not realised just how long a career Millar had, or how suddenly he was catapulted to fame with his KoM title and 4th place overall in the Tour de France, followed by a number of years of never quite living up to that initial eye-catching success. That's not to denigrate Millar - he achieved great things as a cyclist before and after, but none to quite capture the imagination in the same way.
Millar's character is strongly portrayed by the author. I'm a huge admirer of Millar the athlete and the author is at pains to point out how many of his professional associates rated him highly as a human being, but he seems to have been a nightmare for everyone else. Someone who could be as nice a guy as anyone if he happened to have time for you but without much toleration for the vast majority of human beings.
The rather speculative nature of the book makes it hard to rate highly, but it's still essential reading for any British follower of cycling in the 80's.
Millar's character is strongly portrayed by the author. I'm a huge admirer of Millar the athlete and the author is at pains to point out how many of his professional associates rated him highly as a human being, but he seems to have been a nightmare for everyone else. Someone who could be as nice a guy as anyone if he happened to have time for you but without much toleration for the vast majority of human beings.
The rather speculative nature of the book makes it hard to rate highly, but it's still essential reading for any British follower of cycling in the 80's.
January 13, 2016
IN SEARCH OF ROBERT MILLAR was written by Richard Moore. For most Americans, the title could have been WHO IS ROBERT MILLAR. Until Mark Cavendish came onto the scene, Robert Millar was the best ever British pro and he is still the only English speaking rider to win the King of the Mountains in the Tour de France.
Moore had to write the book without the assistance of Robert Millar as Millar disappeared after he dropped out the cycling scene. Nevertheless, through interview and excellent research, Moore gives the reader a complete view of the good and bad aspects of Robert Millar. Millar turns out to be a loner, who worked hard and followed his own road to success. Robert Millar didn’t see himself as the most talented cyclist but he was able to succeed due to hard work.
In addition to the story of Robert Millar, the author as covers the famous riders from the mid-70s to the mid-80s including Paul Sherwen, Stephen Roche, Sean Yates, Sean Kelly, Pedro Delgado, Allan Peiper, Graeme Obree and Chris Boardman.
The book gets a little slow at times but overall it is enjoyable.
Moore had to write the book without the assistance of Robert Millar as Millar disappeared after he dropped out the cycling scene. Nevertheless, through interview and excellent research, Moore gives the reader a complete view of the good and bad aspects of Robert Millar. Millar turns out to be a loner, who worked hard and followed his own road to success. Robert Millar didn’t see himself as the most talented cyclist but he was able to succeed due to hard work.
In addition to the story of Robert Millar, the author as covers the famous riders from the mid-70s to the mid-80s including Paul Sherwen, Stephen Roche, Sean Yates, Sean Kelly, Pedro Delgado, Allan Peiper, Graeme Obree and Chris Boardman.
The book gets a little slow at times but overall it is enjoyable.
October 29, 2009
Richard Moore brings on a journey of exploration - trying to find Robert Millar, and find him in more ways that one. The word that everyone who knew him when he was cycling said off the man from Glasgow is that he was 'special.'
In this enigmatic figure we find a man who can be gruff, direct, and not really out to make friends or influence people who could help him. He just puts the miles in and attempts to be the best that he can be - and he was King of the Mountains in the TdF, and in the Giro D'Italia. He was a legendary climber and after his retirement he wrote a few articles for cycling magazines, but effectively he disappeared - only surfacing via emails to small select few people.
He's gone from cycling - but his wisdom lives on in this book as does that air of 'special' that was about him.
'You don't get good legs looking at the Telly' was on of his Millarisms. I know what he means but it is so wet and grey out there!
In this enigmatic figure we find a man who can be gruff, direct, and not really out to make friends or influence people who could help him. He just puts the miles in and attempts to be the best that he can be - and he was King of the Mountains in the TdF, and in the Giro D'Italia. He was a legendary climber and after his retirement he wrote a few articles for cycling magazines, but effectively he disappeared - only surfacing via emails to small select few people.
He's gone from cycling - but his wisdom lives on in this book as does that air of 'special' that was about him.
'You don't get good legs looking at the Telly' was on of his Millarisms. I know what he means but it is so wet and grey out there!
July 26, 2011
Richard Moore has admirably captured the spirit and character of Robert in the book. He [Richard] has done an amazing amount of research into writing this biography. And it is much more than a 'Sports Biography', with comprehensive accounts of each Robert cycling seasons. It has I feel, a fairly sad ending, perhaps because of the apparent closing of a door on Robert's life.
It really is a 'warts and all' story, and none the worse for that.
There's an amazing amount of detail in the book, despite Robert not having a great deal to do with it, although he gives it his blessing and adds some email comments on various aspects. His explanation of the doping scandals and EPO testing criteria was very interesting indeed, especially the different rules regarding cyclists and cross-country skiers for example. This is a must buy for anyone remotely interested in bike racing. Well done Richard, you've done Robert proud.
It really is a 'warts and all' story, and none the worse for that.
There's an amazing amount of detail in the book, despite Robert not having a great deal to do with it, although he gives it his blessing and adds some email comments on various aspects. His explanation of the doping scandals and EPO testing criteria was very interesting indeed, especially the different rules regarding cyclists and cross-country skiers for example. This is a must buy for anyone remotely interested in bike racing. Well done Richard, you've done Robert proud.
August 30, 2014
My interest in cycling came just after Robert Millar's heyday, so unlike many readers, and indeed the author, of this book, I cannot say that watching him win the King of the Mountains jersey in the Tour de France, or battle against the 'Spanish Armada' in the Vuelta were formative moments for me. Nonetheless, I found this book fascinating. To say that Millar was and is an enigma is an understatement and Richard Moore makes it clear that this is a man who gave and gives concessions to no-one (you only have to read his occasional blogs for cycling magazines to realise that this is still the case). Ahead of his time in many ways, pricklier than any other sportsman in the history of sport -- heck, even Graeme Obree found him difficult -- Millar has succeeded in remaining largely hidden in retirement and this book goes some way to squirreling him out and explaining him.
May 26, 2011
Being French, I grew up, watching the Tour de France on TV with my grandfather, I saw the echappees and the peloton every few summers just down the road from where we lived. We gathered on rainy Sundays as a family to watch the Paris – Roubaix and it is famous paves. Poulidor, Anquetil, Merckx, Hinault and many other are part of my vocabulary. But I never thought about what laid behind until I read this book, the pains and sacrifices each of the riders make as well as the strategies behind the race. Millar is a great character, the forever outsider .. Interesting comment on French culture too.. Captivating book, one of the best I read!!
May 1, 2014
I used to be a huge Robert Millar fan in the '80s being a cycling fan having grown up just a few miles from him. I have wonderful memories of watching Channel 4 in excitement at these glorious exotic locations the race would take us to. Robert would then light up the day with a blistering attack where we would help him by shouting encouragement at the telly.
A lot of people rate this review highly but for some reason I just couldn't get into it. It reads like a very dry linear diary with little excitement.
A lot of people rate this review highly but for some reason I just couldn't get into it. It reads like a very dry linear diary with little excitement.
October 5, 2009
I don't watch sports, but the Tour de France is something else (even if its hard to come across on TV in these post Lance years)One of the reasons the race became popular in Britain during the 80s was the success of Rober Millar. the mystery being that he was aloof, didn't give many interviews and then disappeared post retirement leading to (unfounded) rumors circulating that he'd had a sex change.
Bevan I'll lend this to you, you'll enjoy it.
Bevan I'll lend this to you, you'll enjoy it.
July 29, 2013
Fascinating account of Moore's search for Millar and, of course, of Millar himself. Well written and providing insights into both the man and the context of professional bike racing in the seventies, eighties and nineties. My first contact with cycling was in the year of Millar's great Tour triumph of 1984 and I have fond memories of watching him dance up the climbs. This book filled in many of the gaps for me.
February 6, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. Gives a good insight into what it takes to be a top professional cyclist, whilst at the same time Richard Moore builds a picture of who the real Robert Millar is. I think this book could be enjoyed by cycling fans and non-cycling fans alike, with the book offering something for everyone.
July 28, 2014
I read a-lot of Richard Moore books and have enjoyed them But I found this book hard going not sure why.
The reason for reading is I read good few books about cycling in the 80's and Robert Millar was a great cyclist during this era.
If your big into cycling I would recommend the book as gives good details on Robert career as a cyclist.
The reason for reading is I read good few books about cycling in the 80's and Robert Millar was a great cyclist during this era.
If your big into cycling I would recommend the book as gives good details on Robert career as a cyclist.
July 13, 2017
Absolutely riveting part biography part detective story, and so rare these days a sports biography in which the actual subject of the book Robert Millar barely contributed. The author as the title suggests tells the story of the cyclists career, and searches for him now and what happened once he stepped of the bike.
August 25, 2018
A good book about a rider I had little memory of. While not as enthralling as Moore's "Slaying the Badger", still a fine addition to cycling history. Filled with strange characters and even stranger circumstances, it gives a good overview of the nastiness and brutality, inherent it seems, in the business of professional cycling. Solid 4 stars !
November 17, 2009
This was a very interesting book about an incredibly enigmatic figure in British Cycling in the 80s and early 90s. I didn't really know much about him before I read the book, but it was enjoyable and intriguing. Recommended for cycling fans.
October 2, 2017
A fascinating read of a rider who appeared outwardly taciturn but who is an equally fascinating character. Reading this made me also purchase the dvd mentioned within the book, another equally fascinating insight
April 20, 2018
Excellent read!
Excellent read! Brings back great memories of watching the Tour on Channel 4 in the 80s. Also really enjoyed Slaying the Badger by Moore so it’s on to his next book.
Excellent read! Brings back great memories of watching the Tour on Channel 4 in the 80s. Also really enjoyed Slaying the Badger by Moore so it’s on to his next book.
November 25, 2018
A fascinating individual. His unique traits and candid assessments of the sport make for an interesting profile. Equally, his time racing and the experiences drawn (his dismal at the Vuelta, his success on stage 10 at the 83 tour) bring to life his personality and intricacies.
February 25, 2010
Another intriguing book about a very layered human being, who just happens yet again to be cyclist. There really is a theme.
April 20, 2013
Fantastic insight into a legend. Part detective story - will his meet his suspect?
May 22, 2022
This is really thought provoking for me, especially given Philippa's step back into the spotlight and into cycling. This book is about the urge to know someone deeply when they don't necessarily want to be known. It's very understandable. Richard gives Philippa (as Robert) in her whole self, which is more than a lot of biographies are capable of. The ties to Richard's own cycling career are really nice to stumble on. Also nice to see ties to other cycling books - Richard's (also outdated) one about Bradley Wiggins and the 2012 TdF, Fotheringham's book on Festina.
My obsession with reading outdated cycling books hits once again and this time it's reaaallly outdated. As time goes by and I continue reading Richard's work, his stuff can only get more and more outdated. The writing is lovely and funny, but the section at the end about Philippa's transition has aged. Not as badly as other books definitely have (Floyd Landis?), but you sit through the whole time feeling a little bit wrong. Different times.
A lot of things to think about. Privacy and being outed, fame and familiarity. The cycling obsession continues for no good reason.
My obsession with reading outdated cycling books hits once again and this time it's reaaallly outdated. As time goes by and I continue reading Richard's work, his stuff can only get more and more outdated. The writing is lovely and funny, but the section at the end about Philippa's transition has aged. Not as badly as other books definitely have (Floyd Landis?), but you sit through the whole time feeling a little bit wrong. Different times.
A lot of things to think about. Privacy and being outed, fame and familiarity. The cycling obsession continues for no good reason.
January 16, 2024
Eh, it's okay, but to me it didn't reach the highs of the other books from Richard Moore that I've read, especially "Slaying the Badger" (the events of which took place within the time talked about here!)
Not really getting direct access is perhaps the root cause here - though that didn't prevent Daniel Friebe's Mercx book from being wonderful - so what feels like the bulk of the book tends to be made up of repetitive anecdotes of being grumpy or cracking extremely dry jokes.
Might just be somewhat bad timing for the book though, it's written between the in-retrospect awkward period after Armstrong winning all those tours but before being stripped of them; not to mention British cycling's domination with team Sky (although track cycling domination was well under way)
Just didn't click with me that well, but hey, still finished it.
Always enjoyed seeing Philippa York on GCN though (RIP to that)
Not really getting direct access is perhaps the root cause here - though that didn't prevent Daniel Friebe's Mercx book from being wonderful - so what feels like the bulk of the book tends to be made up of repetitive anecdotes of being grumpy or cracking extremely dry jokes.
Might just be somewhat bad timing for the book though, it's written between the in-retrospect awkward period after Armstrong winning all those tours but before being stripped of them; not to mention British cycling's domination with team Sky (although track cycling domination was well under way)
Just didn't click with me that well, but hey, still finished it.
Always enjoyed seeing Philippa York on GCN though (RIP to that)
October 8, 2021
A really enjoyable and interesting book with all the drama and skull duggery of professional cycle racing.
The story has continued in the years since the book was published and we now know so much more about where Robert was hiding away and his reasons.
The story has continued in the years since the book was published and we now know so much more about where Robert was hiding away and his reasons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews