The 2005 Tour De France Companion is the only book that equips the novice fan with everything it takes to understand and appreciate the race, yet is sophisticated enough for the aficionado. Written by bike writer and four time Tour de France participant Bob Roll, and co-authored by the popular journalist and mountain biker Dan Koeppel. Packed with sidebars on strategy, the Tour's greatest tragedies, the origins of the bicycle, and the strange race to finish last, and much more.