Book Reviews by Graham Thompson

Some Recent Additions to My Library

 

by Graham Thompson

 

In search of Robert Millar by Richard Moore at nearly 350 pages is a heroic yet tragic tale of Britain’s most successful roadman who went to the Continent. Second to Stephen Roche in the Giro d’Italia in 1987 he won the King of the Mountains and gave much help to Roche to gain his victory. He was second on two occasions in the Vuelta a Espana in 1985 and 1986, but both Roche and Millar learned that Italians and Spaniards do not like foreigners winning their national races. Millar has the distinction of being the highest placed Briton in the Tour de France when in 1984 he finished fourth behind Fignon, Hinault and Lemond. Millar came from the jungle of Glasgow to the jungles of continental road racing, and after retirement in 1995 he has left no discernible trace, disappearing from view with no evidence of his whereabouts and his life after cycling. You should read the book to find out more!

 

Peter Whitfield has two books about the domestic cycling scene which are worth reading. Firstly 12 Champions tells the stories of riders such as Beryl Burton, Eileen Sheridan, Les West, Ray Booty and Ian Cammish, who first competed aged 15 years and after 36 years can still produce a 1.40 for a 50!

Several facts shine through their stories – the dedication to years of rigorous training and a determination to succeed. Any aspiring cyclist should read these stories to discover the reality of serious training. The story of Frank Colden is especially illuminating as it shows that a very good club cyclist can become a champion cyclist with application and determination.

 

Peter Whitfield has also published The Condor Years, A Panorama of British Cycling 1945–2000. This is on my shelf of books to be read, but a colleague who borrowed it confirmed that it is a fascinating book, covering all aspects of the home cycling scene from six day racing to 24 hour time trials. Photographs range from Ian Steel, winner of the legendary Peace Race of 1952 through to Chris Boardman, Gold medallist in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Condor Cycles was founded in London in 1948 and this is the story of Condor and through its eyes the story of British cycle sport.