United Kingdom
France
Germany
Netherlands
Sweden
USA
Italy
Spain
More From Contributor
Reckless: The Life And Times Of Luis Ocana
Luis Ocana seemed doomed to live in the shadow of cycling`s greatest ever rider, Eddy Merckx - `The Cannibal`. Their rivalry defined Ocana`s entire career, yet he was the one rider capable of beating the all-conquering Merckx in his prime. After an impoverished upbringing he flourished at the sport he loved and in 1970 secured his biggest victory on home soil, winning the Vuelta a Espana, and confirming his status as a Grand Tour challenger. But it was in the 1971 Tour de France that the battle between Merckx and Ocana reached its peak when, at the Orcieres-Merlette stage, he inflicted on Merckx the worst defeat he would suffer in a major Tour, with an astonishing 120 kilometre solo breakaway through the Alps. But then came one of most gut-wrenching crashes in Tour de France history
when Ocana fell heavily on a Pyrenean descent, losing his leader`s jersey, and with it his best chance of destroying Merckx`s reputation of invincibility. In the midst of a torrential downpour, with minimal visibility, rider after rider crashed into the injured rider as he lay prone. The following day Merckx refused to wear the leader`s jersey out of respect.It was only when Merckx was missing from the start-line in 1973 that Ocana became Spain`s second ever Tour de France winner. If Merckx had been present, Ocana`s chances of success would have been far slimmer. Further triumphs amassed before his swansong in 1976, but Ocana`s decline in later life reflects the immense struggle he embraced during the height of his career. An enigmatic outsider to both the Spanish and French
throughout his career - never truly accepted in either country - he died in mysterious circumstances aged just 48. A fascinating, complicated character both on and off his bike, Ocana`s fierce determination, impetuosity and - some would say - recklessness created some of the most beautiful and gripping episodes in the history of the sport. This is the first ever biography in English of `the Spanish Merckx` who remains one of the most fascinating Tour de France champions.
when Ocana fell heavily on a Pyrenean descent, losing his leader`s jersey, and with it his best chance of destroying Merckx`s reputation of invincibility. In the midst of a torrential downpour, with minimal visibility, rider after rider crashed into the injured rider as he lay prone. The following day Merckx refused to wear the leader`s jersey out of respect.It was only when Merckx was missing from the start-line in 1973 that Ocana became Spain`s second ever Tour de France winner. If Merckx had been present, Ocana`s chances of success would have been far slimmer. Further triumphs amassed before his swansong in 1976, but Ocana`s decline in later life reflects the immense struggle he embraced during the height of his career. An enigmatic outsider to both the Spanish and French
throughout his career - never truly accepted in either country - he died in mysterious circumstances aged just 48. A fascinating, complicated character both on and off his bike, Ocana`s fierce determination, impetuosity and - some would say - recklessness created some of the most beautiful and gripping episodes in the history of the sport. This is the first ever biography in English of `the Spanish Merckx` who remains one of the most fascinating Tour de France champions.
Product Description
Reviews/Comments
Add New
Vouchers
No voucher codes found.
Do you know a voucher code for this product or supplier? Add it to Insights for others to use.
Do you know a voucher code for this product or supplier? Add it to Insights for others to use.
Denmark