Max Leonard
An entertaining run through of the lantern rouges from early days to present. From when it was a disgrace to be avoided to when it was as eagerly fought as first place, nearly, with attendant shenanigans like hiding behind vans to let others pass instead of jumping trains. Being last made you noticed so you'd command more money at other races. I won't go through all the different types described but each chapter has an angle. The overriding message is that although last these riders came last they are still extreme athletes who would leave the average club rider behind after quarter of a mile, sorry, kilometre, and who despite knowing they aren't going to win pull themselves round the entire route including all those mountains for the hell of it. Or more probably because they are paid to pull other team mates around in their role as domestiques. A fascinating read and insight into what makes the mass of le Tour riders click when they have little chance of fame except through the odd stage win or by holding the red lantern on the last day which is always a photo opportunity.
The author adds a personal touch in that he's attempted one of the tours climbs but is defeated in the face of terrible weather and he then re-attempts later. I won't spoil the result for you. And he illegally climbs a mountain next to a railway. Brings a nice touch and also contrasts how even pretty good amateur riders such as him pale next to the horrors endured by the pelaton who cycle thousands of kilometres in a few weeks up and down mountains regardless of injury or weather. Riders don't give up on le tour - le tour drops them either through severe injury or unable to meet the daily cut off time. OK, so a few top riders do stop half way for season long tactical reasons but they could carry on and it's probably on team orders. The rest of the teams carry on regardless. Hard men indeed.
The author adds a personal touch in that he's attempted one of the tours climbs but is defeated in the face of terrible weather and he then re-attempts later. I won't spoil the result for you. And he illegally climbs a mountain next to a railway. Brings a nice touch and also contrasts how even pretty good amateur riders such as him pale next to the horrors endured by the pelaton who cycle thousands of kilometres in a few weeks up and down mountains regardless of injury or weather. Riders don't give up on le tour - le tour drops them either through severe injury or unable to meet the daily cut off time. OK, so a few top riders do stop half way for season long tactical reasons but they could carry on and it's probably on team orders. The rest of the teams carry on regardless. Hard men indeed.
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