Magic Spanner: SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2020 - Softcover

Kirby, Carlton; Broughton, Robbie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1472959868 ISBN 13: 9781472959867

Publisher: Bloomsbury Sport, 2019

Synopsis

"Mr Cycling," Eurosport commentator Carlton Kirby, offers an expert, behind-the-scenes view of the world's greatest cycling races, including the Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana, Giro d'Italia and the classics.

Written with a candid and amusing authority that comes from over 25 years of sports commentary with Eurosport, Carlton Kirby gives an insider's view of competitive cycling delivered in the inimitable, humorous, and at times outspoken style for which he has become globally famous.

Peppered with hilarious anecdotes of life on the road with Tour legend Sean Kelly, Kirby indulges in some soap-box moments to lambast his various bugbears, from crazy spectators in mankinis and lazy Italian monks to the more serious issues of rider safety, team strategies and questionable ethics.

With his mix of expert opinion and trademark wit, Carlton covers the funny, the serious, the heartbreaking, and the more bizarre moments of professional cycling.

About this title

About the Author

Carlton Kirby is the principle cycling commentator for Eurosport and has covered the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a Espana among many other cycling races. He has worked in broadcasting for over thirty years over which time he has accumulated legions of loyal fans who are drawn to his witty and, at times, excitable style. Known by some as the 'language mangler' and for his 'Kirbyisms' (occasional strange musings about not just cycling but the very fabric of life), loyal listeners have set up a Twitter account of his humorous comments: Things Carlton Says, @saidcarlton.

Review

“Carlton is never lost for words, whether commentating or writing. A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times” ―Ian Cleverly, Rouleur

“Carlton Kirby is no ordinary cycling commentator, so it is not surprising that this very entertaining book is no ordinary Grand Tour on a bicycle. A very enjoyable journey for everyone” ―Phil Liggett MBE, NBC Tour de France commentator

“Carlton Kirby's infectious enthusiasm, wine tips and Shakespearean joy for inventing words makes every stage of a bike race a must-watch event” ―Matt Butler, i newspaper

“Carlton's commentary never fails to bring a bike race to life, he has to be the Dalai Lama of all TV commentators” ―Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain Race Director

“There's never a dull moment working with Carlton... I do try to keep him under control” ―Joanna Rowsell-Shand MBE, Double Olympic Team Pursuit Gold Medallist and multiple World Champion

“Carlton's style often borders on controlled madness... sometimes without the control” ―Brian Smith - commentator, team manager and British Road Race Champion 1991 & 1994

“I've heard all these stories before, but it was great to read them in silence...” ―Dan Lloyd, GCN presenter and winner of the 2008 Vuelta Extremadura

“Get that bloody [Carlton] Kirby down here – I'd like to give him a good slap” ―Mark Cavendish

“[Carlton Kirby] You make it sound like I'm not paying attention” ―Chris Froome

“Kirby pulls back the curtain to reveal behind-the-scenes antics from cycling's Grand Tours, laying bare the hilarious, leftfield and downright bizarre moments that covering the sport brings.” ―The Herald

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Sport
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1472959868
• ISBN 13: 9781472959867
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240