Alpe D'Huez: The Legend

by EJNES GERARD

• ISBN13: 9781931382373
• ISBN10: 1931382379
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-09-01
• Publisher: Ingram Pub Services

Summary

In 1952, Fausto Coppi, the 'Campionis-simo', christened the climb of Alpe d'Huez with a fantastic demonstration of riding. In 2001, almost 50 years later and the 22nd time the Tour visited the mountain, another great champion, the American Lance Armstrong, left all of his rivals behind him to take victory on the Alpe. Within the space of half a century, the stage to Alpe d'Huez has become something very special - for riders and public alike. Like an unruly guard of honour, great crowds line the route of the 13 kilometres and 21 hairpin bends of the climb. It's always a very special day. The Tour takes over the mountain, becoming somewhat of a Dutch colony. The road is transformed into a wall of graffiti on which the giants of the road write history. Everything combines to create the legend that is Alpe d'Huez. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

21 Steps to Cycling Mythology	p. 6
1952: Coppi and Robic Pave the Way	p. 18
In July, at the Ski Station as the Tour Arrives	p. 26
The Kingdom of the Dutch	p. 36
1986: Hinault and Lemond Create History	p. 44
Great Champions and Great Duels	p. 52
The Giants of the Road Get Carried Along by the Crowd	p. 64
A Punishing Incline, Suffering on the Alpe	p. 74
2001: Lance Armstrong Achieves His Dream	p. 84
All of the Winners and All of the Yellow Jerseys	p. 90
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