SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2020 - CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR'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 newspaperPrepare to be entertained as legendary Eurosport cycling commentator Carlton Kirby shares his tales from the road, taking you behind the scenes of the world's greatest cycle races. With a candid authority that comes from over 25 years commentating on the world's biggest cycling races, legendary Eurosport commentator Carlton Kirby isn't afraid to tell it like it really is. Witty, outrageous and often outspoken, Magic Spanner is an insider's view of life on cycling's Grand Tours, including the Tour de France, Giro D'Italia, Vuelta a España and the classics, all delivered in the inimitable style for which Carlton has become globally famous.Peppered with hilarious anecdotes of life on the road with Tour legend Sean Kelly, Carlton gives us an expert, behind-the-scenes view - one that the average fan rarely gets to see or hear about. As well as sharing his various bugbears (including crazy spectators in mankinis to the more serious issues of rider safety), Carlton also lifts the lid on team strategies, and delves into some of cycling's more questionable ethics.Delivering a mix of expert opinion and trademark wit, Carlton covers the funny, the serious and the more bizarre moments on the professional cycling caravan. This edition also includes Carlton's guide to watching bike racing - live at the roadside.

Foreword by Sean Kelly1 Life on Tour2 The Breakfast of Kings3 Drive to the Finish4 Security, Good and Bad5 The Five Lions6 Kelly's Smalls7 Cigarettes and Coffee8 Carjack9 Comfort Breaks10 Attention Seekers!11 Protestors12 Slow Day13 Feed Station14 Having Fun - The Secret to Cycling Commentary15 Relations Most Public16 The Dark Side of Cycling17 There is No Money!18 Back on the Road19 And So to Bed - Hotel Stories20 Party Time!21 The Greatest Ride22 The Other Bikers23 When the Plug Gets Pulled24 How Do You Feel?25 The Party's Over26 And So It Comes to ThisAbout the AuthorsAcknowledgementsIndex