The Accidental Tour-ist

FROM THE WINNER OF THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2024 CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR: 1923 'A fascinating and inspiring book ... An excellent read' - Phil Liggett MBE Embark on a whirlwind (and worldwide) tour of cycling stories from one of the nation's favourite commentators. Join Ned Boulting once more as he brings his cycling stories up to the present day - full of recollections of chaotic, memorable and sometimes surreal encounters with all the key riders. While the Tour de France takes centre stage, his horizons expand far beyond its confines to take in races across Europe as well as to fascinating locations in the Middle East, China and Malaysia. There are behind-the-scenes chapters on life at the Giro d'Italia; the growth of women's racing; forays into podcasting; replacing the great Phil Liggett as ITV's main commentator; the Flemish classics; and the life and times of Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish. Ride along as Ned travels around the UK with a stage show about the Tour de France, and on the many days that he and David Millar have spent quixotically riding folding bikes up and down enormous mountains.

Ned Boulting began his television career in 1997 when he joined Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday. He moved to ITV Sport in 2001, and has covered a range of football events including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and the FA Cup over a period of fifteen years. Ned is the author of five books, including the bestselling How I Won the Yellow Jumper and On the Road Bike. He lives in London with his wife and two children. @nedboulting

1 The accident 2 Things can go wrong 3 The road to Scarborough 4 A cold coming 5 The Victorian desk clerk 6 Fieldworkers or livestock 7 An Age of Wonders 8 Hopping mad in Kent 9 Come Prima 10 Straying from the path 11 Le plat players 12 Soup to cry for 13 From Oundle to the Alpe 14 Giroscope 15 A five-star review 16 Is he being a twat? 17 The empty Marmite jar 18 Unfolding stories 19 Monday morning Acknowledgements