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Roule Britannia: A History of Britons in the Tour de France
Only 25 British cyclists have completed the 2,500-mile test of endurance and courage that is the Tour de France. Now, the acclaimed author of Put Me Back on My Bike tells the story of British cycling, its pioneers and its legends, from the 1950s to today.
- GenresCycling
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 21, 2019
Every so often you come across a book that is on a subject you're interested in, but is much more enjoyable than you expected, even if it doesn't rely on explosive material or quotable passages. Those interested in cycling will have a decent knowledge of past Brits, but the focus on personalities, rather than results, was this book's selling point.
This was originally written in 2005, and the change in fortune for British road cycling since then is remarkable, but it doesn't affect the read. This is not an exposé of where we had gone wrong, but an insight into the British personalities of the Tour, from Brian Robinson 60 years ago to Geraint Thomas today. Fotheringham doesn't glorify riders, but tells their stories in a deeper and more personal manner than just focusing on their race results, and is much more engaging as a result.
He has done more than look at the contemporary media however, interviewing many of the featured cyclists to add their own perspectives, which really adds to the breadth of the story. Unlike some interviewers, he addresses inconsistencies or inaccuracies when the story doesn't match the received wisdom which adds to the sense this is an authoritative guide, even though it's written in a very easy manner.
It doesn't quite feel profound enough to warrant 5 stars, but it's difficult to see how it could have been done much better. The only minor annoyance is that it hasn't been 'fully' updated, as a few records were 'only bettered by Bradley Wiggins when he finished 4th', ignoring 2012 onwards. But the profiles are excellent and always put in context.
This was originally written in 2005, and the change in fortune for British road cycling since then is remarkable, but it doesn't affect the read. This is not an exposé of where we had gone wrong, but an insight into the British personalities of the Tour, from Brian Robinson 60 years ago to Geraint Thomas today. Fotheringham doesn't glorify riders, but tells their stories in a deeper and more personal manner than just focusing on their race results, and is much more engaging as a result.
He has done more than look at the contemporary media however, interviewing many of the featured cyclists to add their own perspectives, which really adds to the breadth of the story. Unlike some interviewers, he addresses inconsistencies or inaccuracies when the story doesn't match the received wisdom which adds to the sense this is an authoritative guide, even though it's written in a very easy manner.
It doesn't quite feel profound enough to warrant 5 stars, but it's difficult to see how it could have been done much better. The only minor annoyance is that it hasn't been 'fully' updated, as a few records were 'only bettered by Bradley Wiggins when he finished 4th', ignoring 2012 onwards. But the profiles are excellent and always put in context.
June 1, 2018
A bit of the history of the Brit's in the Tour but not really anything to in depth.
September 25, 2025
Fotheringham is perhaps my favourite writer on cycling. This a well written and a very enjoyable book, informed and well researched. Essentially, it is a book about the British riders who have taken part in the Tour de France, but has somegood background on how the Tour has changed as well.
February 10, 2015
This book has been updated 3 times, the last being after Wiggins' 2012 victory. I would say "added to" rather than revised because there are still a few parts of the main body that were not changed to reflect these developments-eg at one stage Tom Simpson is still refered to as being the most successful British TdF rider so a rereading may have been in order before rushing this out in 2012. Also the book just hit the wrong time-it appeared to be produced not to far before Armstrong' s downfall and, obviously not a Brit, he still has a major role in the text that now appears lacking due to what emerged. While hindsight is, of course, a luxury not afforded authours and publishers this book could really do with another revision and update.
It is still an interesting and well crafted book about the history of British cyclists in Europe and, more specifically, the Tour and Fotheringham's experiences and insights as one of the UK's few newspaper cycling journalists grants him a closer and more nuanced view than other writers. Overall a good source especially on those in the past who became pro - cyclists the hard way and lead the way for British success many decades later.
It is still an interesting and well crafted book about the history of British cyclists in Europe and, more specifically, the Tour and Fotheringham's experiences and insights as one of the UK's few newspaper cycling journalists grants him a closer and more nuanced view than other writers. Overall a good source especially on those in the past who became pro - cyclists the hard way and lead the way for British success many decades later.
December 29, 2012
An interesting book about the British riders who have taken place in the Tour de France up to 2005.
It covers the earliest riders in the Tour history, and goes up to David Millar just after he was banned for EPO. Cavendish and Wiggins are not covered, though Wiggins does get a mention.
Each significant rider gets a chapter to himself. The riders covered are Robinson, Simpson, Harrison, Hogan, Sherwin, Millar, Elliot, Yates, Boardman, and Millar. It is not complete history of everything they have done in the Tour, but a good overview. Other riders are mentioned in the context of the main riders that they rode with.
It covers the earliest riders in the Tour history, and goes up to David Millar just after he was banned for EPO. Cavendish and Wiggins are not covered, though Wiggins does get a mention.
Each significant rider gets a chapter to himself. The riders covered are Robinson, Simpson, Harrison, Hogan, Sherwin, Millar, Elliot, Yates, Boardman, and Millar. It is not complete history of everything they have done in the Tour, but a good overview. Other riders are mentioned in the context of the main riders that they rode with.
February 10, 2015
Another one of my cycling collection. William Fotheringham is in my opinion the best author of cycling related books, he can make a good story from what sometimes would seem a difficult subject.
Before Wiggins,Froome and Team Sky, where was British Cycling? Well this book takes us back to its beginnings and introduces us to some legends of the road such as Brian Robinson and Tom Simpson. Fotheringham adds a personal touch to his work by gathering anecdotes and blending them with his rich knowledge of this sport.
Before Wiggins,Froome and Team Sky, where was British Cycling? Well this book takes us back to its beginnings and introduces us to some legends of the road such as Brian Robinson and Tom Simpson. Fotheringham adds a personal touch to his work by gathering anecdotes and blending them with his rich knowledge of this sport.
August 29, 2016
Great look at the British riders in le Tour as well as a nice overall look at the Tour. I read the 3rd edition after Bradley Wiggins win in 2012. I wish there was one after this last Tour. He has mentioned several other books about the Tour and bicycle racing that I will check out and probably read.
August 1, 2011
Excellently written and extremely interesting account of British Tour de France riders. Includes chapters from recent British riders as well as those in the past. Definately worth reading if you're a cycling fan.
September 27, 2012
Mr Fotheringham may now be thinking, in the light of the 2012 tour, that he brought this out a bit prematurely. He didn't, but he may be thinking of a revision. As good on the unsung heroes as on the superstars. An enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews