5 Best Tour De France Books

The Tour de France is the world's most famous cycling race. It is held annually throughout France, and covers more than 2200 miles. The race takes about twenty-three days to complete. As the world's oldest and most prestigious bicycle race, it attracts a lot of attention from around the world, and has been the subject of countless books. Here, we will take a look at five of the best books that have been written about the Tour de France.

Tour de France Books

It's Not About the Bike

By Lance Armstrong
Published by Berkeley Press, 304 pages
Approximate Cost: $ 14.00

It's Not About the Bike is Lance Armstrong's personal memoir of his struggle with testicular cancer. It is told from his point of view, and it outlines his diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. When diagnosed, Armstrong's cancer was at a very advanced stage. Not only did he survive, but he went on to become a father and win another Tour de France victory. He founded a cancer advocacy group, called Live Strong. Whether you are a racing fan, or you are struggling with some of the issues that are dealt with in the story, it is an honest and inspiring look at his life.

We Might as Win: On the Road to Success with the Mastermind Behind a Record Setting Eight Tour de France Victories

By Johan Bruyneel and Bill Strickland, Introduction by Lance Armstrong
Published by Houghton Mifflin, 240 pages
Approximate Cost: $25.00

Johan Bruyneel has the most team wins over any other team leader in Tour de France history. He is a former professional cyclist, and served as the director of the U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team, which was later renamed the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team. In that role, he set a new record by winning eight Tour de France victories in a nine year period. This book tells the story of his struggle to lead his team to the finish line in first place time after time, with and without his star performer Lance Armstrong.

From Lance to Landis: Inside the American Doping Controversy at the Tour de France

By David Walsh
Published by Ballantine Books, 352 pages
Approximate Cost: $24.95

In this book, award winning journalist David Walsh examines the controversy and rumors of doping that have surrounded two top contenders in the Tour de France - Lance Armstrong and Floyd Landis. It is an intimate look at the world of professional cycling. He examines performance enhancing drugs, and how and why athletes succumb to their use. For his research, Walsh interviewed cyclists, teammates, doctors, therapists and many other professionals.

The Official Tour de France Centennial, 1903-2004

By Lance Armstrong
Published by WN, 360 pages
Approximate Cost: $24.95 (paperback)

This is one of the official books that were published for the 100^th anniversary of the Tour de France. It gives a brief overview of the history of the race, and then gives a more detailed look at each race. It has statistics on the race winners, and the different stages of the race. One of the best features of the book is the photography. It is very well illustrated.

Inside the Tour de France: the Pictures, the Legends, and the Untold Stories of the World's Most Beloved Bicycle Race

By Eric Delanzy
Published by Rodale Books, 240 pages
Approximate Cost: $29.95 (hardcover)

This book delivers what it promises in the title, with an inside look at the history of the Tour de France, back to its beginning in 1903. It includes stories from the history of the race and myths that have surrounded players and locations. It has excellent photos, and is a great overview of the race from its inception to modern times. It also makes a great gift or coffee table book.

These five books should give you everything that you might want to know about the Tour de France. They are a great read whether you are an avid fan of cycling, or a causal reader. Through the words and images on these pages, the facts, myths, controversies, and realities of the race and its riders are brought to life.