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How the Kings of the Mountains Conquered Cycling

Cormac McCarthy

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Published in Climbers: How The Kings Of The Mountains Conquered Cycling

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From the early days of the Tour de France to the modern era, the mountains have always played a pivotal role in the race. The riders who have mastered the climbs and conquered the mountains have become legends of the sport.

Climbers: How the Kings of the Mountains conquered cycling

by Peter Cossins

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	150177 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	336 pages

This book tells the stories of some of the most famous and iconic mountain stages in the history of the Tour de France, and the riders who have triumphed on them. From the legendary climbs of the Pyrenees and the Alps to the modern-day battles on the slopes of Mont Ventoux, this book captures the drama and excitement of the Tour de France's most challenging stages.

The book features interviews with some of the greatest climbers in the history of the sport, including Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and Chris Froome. These riders share their insights on what it takes to conquer the mountains, and how they have overcome the challenges of altitude, fatigue, and pain.

Whether you are a cycling enthusiast or simply a fan of great stories of human endurance, this book is sure to entertain and inspire you. It is a tribute to the riders who have made the Tour de France the most challenging and exciting race in the world.

Chapter 1: The Early Years

The early days of the Tour de France were marked by some of the most challenging mountain stages in the race's history. The roads were often unpaved, and the climbs were long and steep. The riders had to contend with extreme weather conditions, and the support from their teams was minimal.

Despite the challenges, some riders emerged as masters of the mountains. The first rider to win the Tour de France's King of the Mountains classification was Octave Lapize in 1910. Lapize was a gifted climber, and he won the KOM classification twice more in 1911 and 1913.

Other early winners of the KOM classification included Philippe Thys, Lucien Buysse, and Henri Pélissier. These riders were all known for their ability to climb quickly and consistently. They were also able to recover from their efforts on the climbs, and they were often able to attack their rivals on the descents.

Chapter 2: The Rise of the Climbers

In the 1930s, a new generation of riders emerged who were even better climbers than their predecessors. These riders included Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali, and Louison Bobet. Coppi was the first rider to win the Tour de France's King of the Mountains classification three times in a row, and he also won the race twice overall.

Bartali was another great climber, and he won the Tour de France twice overall. He also won the KOM classification three times, and he was the first rider to win the race's overall and KOM classifications in the same year.

Bobet was a French rider who was known for his climbing ability and his tactical acumen. He won the Tour de France twice overall, and he also won the KOM classification three times.

Chapter 3: The Modern Era

In the modern era, the mountains have continued to play a pivotal role in the Tour de France. The climbs have become even more challenging, and the riders have to be even more prepared to cope with the demands of the race.

Some of the most famous mountain stages in the modern era include the climb to Alpe d'Huez, the climb to Mont Ventoux, and the climb to the Col du Tourmalet. These climbs are all extremely steep, and they often play a decisive role in the outcome of the race.

Some of the greatest climbers in the modern era include Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and Chris Froome. These riders have all won the Tour de France multiple times, and they have all won the KOM classification at least once.

The mountains have always been a defining feature of the Tour de France. The riders who have conquered the mountains have become legends of the sport. This book tells the stories of some of the most famous and iconic mountain stages in the history of the Tour de France, and the riders who have triumphed on them.

Climbers: How the Kings of the Mountains conquered cycling

by Peter Cossins

4.8 out of 5