Tour de Lance, by Bill Strickland
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A year ago to the day, Lance Armstrong set off to try to win his eighth Tour de France, having come out of a four-year retirement at the age of 37. The twist was that his biggest threat, the young Spaniard Alberto Contador, was in his Astana team.
And they didn't get on, in a big way. Bill Strickland shadowed Armstrong in his preparations and in the race itself, often in the team director's car. His account of the American's doomed attempt is a masterly piece of reportage stuffed with expert insights into the Tour's Byzantine tactics.
A self-confessed fan, he does not shy away from the doping allegations that have dogged Armstrong, returning a Scottish verdict of "not proven". Equally elusive is Armstrong's motive for returning; he said it is to publicise his cancer charity but a team insider claims: "He's a killer, and missed killing." Armstrong has just embarked on what he claims is his final Tour. This book can't tell you what will happen but it will undoubtedly help you understand why it did.
Published in hardback by Mainstream, £12.99
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments