Posted: January 5, 2006

Cycling: New Book - Chasing Lance, An Insider's Look At The Tour de France

From: www.ByJamesRaia.com

New Cycling Book: Chasing Lance, An Insider's Look At The Tour de France

For more information or to purchase the book, visit: CHASING LANCE By AMAZON.COM Acclaimed journalist and bestselling author Martin Dugard tells the extraordinary story of Lance Armstrong's final race, guiding us on a 2,240-mile journey through the bucolic French countryside, up the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees, all the way to one final ride down the Champs-Elysees. Never before has the Tour de France experience been captured so fully and vividly. We are there among the rabid fans as they cheer on their favorite riders; in the frenzied media room, where top journalists plot to score an interview with the fiercely private Armstrong; and deep inside the heart of the peloton as the Discovery team's top lieutenants sacrifice themselves to protect their leader. Dugard was granted the most exclusive press credential offered by the Tour organizers, so he had total access to the riders, their teams, the courses, and the back rooms. As a result it's all here: the daring breakaways and heartbreaking crashes, the mind games and the intense competition, the strategy and the courage. We see Lance Armstrong's fearsome drive, his jubilation when his most loyal teammate wins a stage, and his rocky relationships with young, up-and-coming American riders. But Chasing Lance is not just an account of Armstrong’s incredible triumph. Dugard gives us the full Tour, from the yellow jersey up front to the struggling riders who bring up the rear; from the quiet countryside to the Paris pavement; from the lavender fields of Provence to the fields of drunken tourists who have come not only to see if Lance can win one last time, but to consume as much fine wine and cheese as possible—an endurance contest of a different sort. A gripping portrait of a champion at sunset, an illuminating exploration of what it means to persevere -- on the road and in life -- and a vibrant journey through France, Chasing Lance takes us to the Tour, and inside the mind of Lance Armstrong, as no book ever has. One reviewer's words: "Hey folks -- here is a great read. I highly recommended this book to you. I chased Lance during the Tour, and was thrilled to meet him in Germany. Not only because he is an incredible athlete, but also because he personifies courage, character, strength and other desirable traits. Lance stands for much more than cycling to most people - THAT is what this book is about, the title: "Chasing Lance" is more than a double-entendre. Marty Dugard writes about much more than following the tour. His is a book of thoughtful, active prose of someone who was truly "there." Not only does he recount his behind the scenes perspective, but provides pertinent historical data to each stage location, the Tour, the cyclists -- and somehow, he subtly gets you to think about yourself. This book can act as a reflecting mirror in some ways as you are helped to look into lance's life, marty's life, other riders' lives . . . and then you get a chance to peak into your own life. How cool is that? Frankly, I picked up the book one night. then the next day before my run. I can tell you, that my run was a very good one filled with fabulous thoughts, motivating ideas, and an understanding that we can all chase Lance each day. That is to say, we can seek higher levels -- just like the legends. Though very far from a true personal discovery book, the verbiage takes you to places in France, Germany and inside your head. I like traveling when remaining physically still. I think many of you will fervently enjoy this book. Go ahead and pick up a copy before I buy them all to send to each of my friends. best wishes -- and congratulations to the author for a fine read -- Steven, Germany. For more information or to purchase the book, visit: CHASING LANCE

© Copyright 2005, James Raia

Posted with the permission of James Raia.

James Raia is a journalist, author and publisher in Sacramento, California. Sign-up for his free electronic newsletters Endurance Sports News and Tour de France Times on his web site: www.ByJamesRaia.com.