Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0316166235, Hardcover)

The Tour de Franceelectrifying, physically taxing, and immensely rewardingis one of sports most highly regarded and popular competitions. In July, over twenty million spectators flocked to France to follow their favorite racers and to see if anyone could beat Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France. Among them were hundreds of thousands of Americans, who saw the Tour not only as a thrilling sport, but also as an exciting Sideways-style jaunt replete with fine wines, delicious meals, and lazy mornings under the Provencal sun. Almost every European country will be represented in the crowds of spectators lining paths throughout the countryside; a diverse mix of cultures brought together by a singular love of friendship, fun, and endurance racing. New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard and his longtime friend Austin have been to the Tour de France many times before, but this one is different. This is record-breaking rider Lance Armstrongs final race, with the world watching to see if he breaks his own recordor finally suffers a defeat where he has only known victory. A unique combination of travelogue, humor, and insider cycling critique, complete with interviews and insights from Lance Armstrong, this will be the only book to bring into focus the entire Tour experience. From the glorious French countryside, to the heartwarmingly funny chats between close friends and dedicated fans, Chasing Lance shows, finally, what its really like to follow the most glamorous endurance contest in the worldand what it means to share it with your friends.