The Tour de France Companion: A Nuts, Bolts & Spokes Guide to the Greatest Race in the World

Written before the 2004 Tour history making 6 Tour wins, that has to be taken into consideration when reading. They did include a colorful summary of the 2004 Tour at the beginning of the book. Is a real nice history of the Tour and players since 1903. Answers some often wondered questions, like how do they go to the bathroom? Covers rituals of teams and riders. Also the written and unwritten rules. In the back of the book are great graphs: Tour timeline; different jersey winners from their beginnings; and other insignificant but, interesting to a true Tour fan, facts. Even if you think you know the Tour you can learn something new.

First-time viewers are often both suprised and confused by the complexity of the Tour de France. If you've become interested in the world's most difficult endurance event then this book is the perfect place to satisfy your curiosity. TDF Companion is the best introduction to cycling that I've ever come across. Readers will quickly understand why the Tour de France inspires such rabid fans. Long-time cycling afficionados will love the book for the jaw-dropping facts sprinkled throughout, along with the incredible insight of a man who has run this gauntlet several times. Be forewarned: once you understand cycling you are likely to become addicted.

(...) this is an arriving sport on the american scene and GOOD FOR BOB to stick some material out there that some people can digest. even if it isnt drive thru quality (according to 'them')but i think it's brilliant and please let me know, is kirstin Gumm married?

I love cycling but I did not know alot about the TDF when it came to rules, history, etc. This book explains almost everything in terms everyone can understand. If you are a member of the peleton already this book may be too basic for you but for the rest of us it is a superb read!

I picked this book up on a whim, hesitating slightly as "Bobke" has a writing style that can veer wildly from sublime to psychedelic. In this companion book to the upcoming TDF, his writing style is very well disciplined, and the book is extremely readable. The book is designed to prep you for the upcoming event. The 2003 TDF is the launch point for this book, but the history of the tour suffuses the pages, as well. Sidebars are amusing and interesting, the data at the back is nice to have. Overall, a pleasant surprise, and a useful book if you want to get jazzed for the 2004 TDF.