The legend of Jacques Anquetil, controversial French cycling star of the 60s, told through the eyes of novelist and childhood Anquetil fan Paul Fournel
Paul Fournel is a French writer, poet, publisher and cultural ambassador. He was awarded the Prix Goncourt for short fiction for Les Athletes dans leur tete. His Besoin de Velo (translated into English as Need for the Bike and Velo) is a classic cycling text, in which he describes himself as the Proust of the chute. Anquetil, Alone is translated by Nick Caistor.
A wonderful little book about a great man
*Tim Krabbé, author of The Rider*
At last the coolest of champions gets the biography he deserves
*Richard Williams*
If you don't know Fournel, then you're missing out, if you don't
know Anquetil, then you don't know cycling.
*David Millar*
An unconventional take on a fascinating character. This is not your
standard cycling biography - and all the better for it.
*Gary Imlach*
What a wonderful book Paul has written. It's is one of the most
powerful cycling books I've ever read - certainly the best
biography.
*Michael Hutchinson*
Evokes the mysticism which surrounded Jacques beautifully
*Herbie Sykes*
A magnificent book
*Le Monde*
A beautiful story
*Le Figaro*
A profound essay
*Libération*
Praise for Vélo:
Joyous. Destined to become a classic
*Road.cc*
One of the loveliest pieces of writing about cycling
*Cyclingtips*
Praise for Need for the Bike
'Paul Fournel is the real deal. In his carefully cadenced prose
poem...he shares a passion for the sport matched only by his love
of language.
*Bicycling*
A fascinating mix of bicycling memories, observations, and
experiences the author has gathered during a lifetime of cycling
... This very personal book, doled in short, easily digestible
doses, packs a meal that ultimately satisfies deeply
*ForeWord*
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