There is something intriguing about the Tour de France. It is an epic journey that stretches the imagination of the spectator and the mental and physical strength of the participants. The author captures this in the way the story of the first race is told. The result these days seems predictable. It wasn’t in 1903, the first ever Tour de France. The reader is not thrown into the deep end of the race but has to wade through almost 100 pages before it begins. Several favourites are mentioned in particular Maurice Garin, chimney sweep who, it is said, was had been swapped by his parents for a round of cheese. On pages 94-97 there is a complete list of the registered starters, 80 of them. 20 of them did not start. The race starts on page 102. 37 finished the first stage - Paris to Lyon - Garin leading by 55 seconds despite climbing a tree to pick some cherries on the way. Stage 2 begins on page 143. It is just as manic as the first. A few pages are interspersed about the murder of a woman taking a restaurant’s takings home. Garin holds on to his lead despite stopping to buy some ice to cool him down. Page 181. Stage 3 begins. Garin maintains the lead overall despite taking a wrong turning at a level crossing and suffering a blockage by a herd of cattle.The tension mounts although the gathering of photos gives the game away, showing Garin celebrating victory, cigarette in mouth. On page 206 we are informed that ‘There were, of course, none competing,’ women that is and remains so. Page 220, stage 4 commences. Again Garin holds on to the lead while some of his rivals collide with dogs. Page 251. Stage 5 begins. Garin wins but only after some serious skulduggery en route. Plus ca change! There is no investigation as not the first or last controversy is swept under the carpet.Page 290. The last stage starts. By page 300 Garin has won. Ever since there has been nothing quite like this event that is quintessentially French. A really enjoyable read, the tension of the very first race interspersed with the controversies that have made the event a rollercoaster ride for well over a century.

21 riders finish. ( )