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In Search of Robert Millar: Unravelling the Mystery Surrounding Britain’s Most Successful Tour de France Cyclist Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 579 ratings

The compelling story of Britain’s best-ever cyclist – one of the most enigmatic, complex and contradictory athletes in any sport – and the unravelling of the puzzle surrounding his sudden and dramatic disappearance.

Cyclist Robert Millar came from one of Europe’s most industrialised cities, Glasgow, to excel in the most unlikely terrain – over the high mountain passes of the Pyrenees and the Alps. He was crowned King of the Mountains during the 1984 Tour de France and remains the only ever Briton to finish on the podium of the world’s toughest race.

In attitude and appearance he was unconventional – the malnourished-looking young Scot with the tiny stud in his ear who could be prickly, irascible and unapproachable – but to many followers he was the epitome of cool. Flying the flag for British cycling, this one-off original became a cult hero.

In Search of Robert Millar will follow the career of this other-worldly character, from his tough childhood on the streets of Glasgow in the 1960s to his move to France and success in the world’s most brutal and unforgiving races, including the controversy surrounding his positive drugs test and his enforced retirement from the sport at the age of 36.

It examines what set Millar apart from all other British cyclists who tried, and failed, to make an impact in this most European of sports, describing his single-mindedness, his eccentricity and the humour and intelligence that emerged only towards the end of his career.

It also proffers explanations for his subsequent disappearance, which repeated a familiar pattern: he vanished from Glasgow and never returned; he left his wife and son and his adopted country, France. Now, it appears, he has turned his back on cycling (amid rumours that he had undergone a sex-change operation).

Through interviews with Millar’s friends, acquaintances, cycling colleagues and ex-classmates, author Richard Moore helps to unravel the mystery of this maverick Scotsman, arguably one of the greatest enigmas in a sport full of remarkable characters.

Product description

Review

‘A classic bird-like climber, light ands wiry in build, Millar was the best British cyclist, all round, since Tom Simpson’ William Fotheringham

'..a prodigious work of research, (which)..delivers overdue illumination of a fascinating Scot'. The Glasgow Herald

"A fascinating book… Trying to piece together the Robert Millar story is a little like rummaging around the Mary Celeste but Moore has done splendidly." The Daily Telegraph

"This book is not only a very interesting study of a little-known man, but also a bible to anybody aiming to be the best in their field, a lesson in how to reach the top and the hardships and sacrifices it takes to get there." The Scotsman on Saturday

‘The definitive portrait of one of Scotland's greatest sportsmen' The Guardian on Saturday

‘Moore is a gifted writer who covers the failed drugs test, Tours de France, sex-change rumours and "escape from Scotland" with panache, culminating in a captivating e-mail exchange with the reclusive Millar.' The Times

‘There is a towering pile of cycling books building up in a corner of the Sportsbooks library, which will have to be tackled to coincide with the start of the Tour de France in London. But I want to single out a really good one before the rest of the peloton swings into sight'’ Daily Telegraph

'A fine portrait of Britain's most successful Tour de France cyclist.' 'The author's meticulous but lively book traces Millar's journey from Glasgow's tenements to the Alps and the Pyrenees, in whose company he had few peers.' The Scotsman.

From the Publisher

The National Sporting Club, Annual British Sports Book Awards 2008 - WINNER: BEST BIOGRAPHY

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B002RI9ZYA
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperSport (4 Sept. 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2192 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 423 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 579 ratings

About the author

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Richard Moore
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Richard Moore (www.richardmoore.co) is a journalist and author. His first book, In Search of Robert Millar (HarperSport), won Best Biography at the 2008 British Sports Book Awards. His second book, Heroes, Villains & Velodromes (HarperSport), was long-listed for the 2008 William Hill Sports Book of the Year.

He is also the author of Slaying the Badger: LeMond, Hinault and the Greatest Ever Tour de France (Yellow Jersey, May 2011), and Sky's the Limit: British Cycling's Quest to Conquer the Tour de France (HarperSport, June 2011).

Slaying the Badger is published in the US by Velo Press on May 1, 2012.

The Dirtiest Race in History: Ben Johnson, Carl Lewis and the Seoul Olympic 100m final is published by Wisden Sports Writing in the UK on June 7, 2012, and in the US by A&C Black on September 4, 2012.

He writes on sport, specialising in cycling, and is a regular contributor to the Guardian, Sky Sports, the Scotsman and Procycling magazine.

He is also a former racing cyclist who represented Scotland at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at the 1998 Tour de Langkawi.

www.richardmoore.co

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
579 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book interesting and insightful. They describe it as a great read that they want to re-read. The writing quality is praised as excellent and well-written, like a thriller novel. Readers appreciate the complex and varied character development of Robert Millar, a fascinating figure who captured their imagination in youth.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

38 customers mention ‘Interest’38 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and insightful. They appreciate the author's research and consider it a moving and memorable account of Robert Millar's cycling career.

"...That turned out to be unfounded - this is a moving and memorable account, it is established and will hold until Millar steps forward with the real..." Read more

"...journalism, are first-rate and make for an interesting read about a fine cyclist (and not just a specialist climber)...." Read more

"...The book is an authoritative account of Robert's successes, challenges, idiosyncrasies and is a truly compelling read...." Read more

"A very good insight into how Robert Millar became the rider he was" Read more

24 customers mention ‘Readability’24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and worth reading. They appreciate the first-rate journalism and enthralling close look at an enigmatic figure.

"The writing here, and the investigative journalism, are first-rate and make for an interesting read about a fine cyclist..." Read more

"...It was done with a lot of class." Read more

"...Fast delivery and well packaged. Great read too." Read more

"...A great read. Anyone who has an interest in UK cycling will find this book interesting. Come back Robert!" Read more

13 customers mention ‘Writing quality’13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and engaging. It covers Robert's life in detail and reads like a thriller novel.

"...I hope Robert has found some peace from his demons. A fine read, with just that element of the mystery unexplained to wish for more." Read more

"...Next to the average premiership footballer biography this reads like a thriller novel, compelling you to read on." Read more

"...A bit like Joey Dunlop in his modesty. Excellent reading and an incite into how Robert worked(s)...." Read more

"...The book is well written and I would like to think its probably as a result of the authors own interest in Robert Millar , the man who made him..." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Character development’11 positive0 negative

Customers find the character fascinating and unique. They appreciate the varied portrayal of a complex individual with an incredible drive. The book provides a thoughtful and respectful biography of a man ahead of his time.

"...is an authoritative account of Robert's successes, challenges, idiosyncrasies and is a truly compelling read...." Read more

"...A fascinating figure who caught the imagination in my youth...." Read more

"...A wonderful insight into a man who was abviously ahead of his time, his diet in particular very much against what others were doing at that time...." Read more

"...realistic, balanced view of a man who is clearly a complex and fascinating character...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Sportsmanship’5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's sports content. They mention it features one of the best cyclists in Scotland and a true British sporting legend.

"...When you read it, you realize what a superb athlete he was and how he was a criminally overlooked sports star..." Read more

"...This really is a terrific read about one of the UK's great sportsman ...." Read more

"...his performances in the TdeF and i regard him as one of the UKs best ever sportsmen...." Read more

"...One of the most interesting cyclists of all time and a true British sporting legend...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2009
    In this book the author tries to piece together the life of Robert Millar - one of the UK's top British cyclists of the 20th century. To be precise, he was THE top British rider, and some of his feats, like winning the `King of the Mountains' in the Tour of France, have never been equalled. Given all that, how come he is not better known or appreciated?

    The answer lies sadly with the man in question - his personality did little to endear him to the many he encountered, and in particular the media. Partly that was down to being shy and introverted, partly down to wariness of his fellow-competitors in a tough sport and for reporters out for a part of him. Which is understandable, and hardly a sin. However being so withdrawn, abrupt and even rude was less acceptable.

    Certainly the road from Glasgow to winning mountain stages in the Tour of France was as uphill as any he could have chosen, with neither any precedent of great success to follow, nor much encouragement along the way. Not only physically demanding in the extreme, at times the hostility to his presence and winning ways was so over-whelming to alone have defeated all but the most determined.

    Destined to be frustrated by poorly managed and financed teams, in the right set-up Millar would no doubt have achieved even more. However his failure to reach the very top was down to his relations within the team, his inability to lead, and his reluctance to negotiate for support outside the team. All of which only underlines what he did achieve - he alone, on his own terms.

    Millar, the cyclist and person, is more than enough to dominate the pages. It is hard to imagine how anyone could have better covered all the bases, captured all the evidence, been more faithful to all the quotes, than Richard Moore has done here. Respectful, yet probing, the dots are there to join....

    What is obviously missing is the opinion of Robert Millar himself (apart from a reproduced email exchange). The fact that the story ends with the widely reported allegation that Millar has undergone a sex change only highlight how little we really know this person!

    At one point I felt the lack of contribution from Millar rendered the exercise futile. That turned out to be unfounded - this is a moving and memorable account, it is established and will hold until Millar steps forward with the real thing.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 October 2010
    The writing here, and the investigative journalism, are first-rate and make for an interesting read about a fine cyclist (and not just a specialist climber).

    In truth, reading about his treatment of early team members and other behavioural quirks, Millar is probably not a person one would wish to meet. However, that's often the mark of genius and he can justifiably be placed up there on that imaginary podium with other "difficult" stars.

    I remember reading something in Lance Armstrong's book about the need to "escape", fulfilled by mounting one's bike and riding off.

    I hope Robert has found some peace from his demons.

    A fine read, with just that element of the mystery unexplained to wish for more.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2009
    Given the 25 5-star reviews that already exist for this book, there doesn't seem to be much else to add. But I just wanted to add my voice to recommend this superb book. Like many other reviewers I was aware of Robert Millar from my days watching Tour De France coverage in the 80s. While Millar's early achievements were somewhat before my time, I remember him well from the days of Roche et al in 1987.
    The book is an authoritative account of Robert's successes, challenges, idiosyncrasies and is a truly compelling read. When you read it, you realize what a superb athlete he was and how he was a criminally overlooked sports star (though you get the impression that he definitely preferred it this way). Next to the average premiership footballer biography this reads like a thriller novel, compelling you to read on.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 June 2015
    What an insight into the tough life of a pro cyclist. Robert Millar, like us all has some faults but I admire the guy for his bravery and courage,in dealing with the circus that surrounds the major tours.
    His honesty is much appreciated and it is a testimony to the man who survived in a difficult environment. Also the author Richard Moore,deserves a lot of credit for his portrayal of Robert Millar. It was done with a lot of class.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 August 2017
    A very good insight into how Robert Millar became the rider he was
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • O
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gut
    Reviewed in Germany on 4 July 2023
  • Client d'Amazon
    4.0 out of 5 stars bravo champion
    Reviewed in France on 16 August 2017
    un témoignage courageux
    un sportif de haut niveau qui révèle un parcours hors norme et ses tourments face à un environnement pas toujours complaisant
    un homme aussi apprécié par ses partenaires de sport
  • Alex Hutchinson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Cyclone of Pressures and Prejudices
    Reviewed in the United States on 30 August 2014
    I have found that the best tales come from real life. They are often unexpected, jagged journeys with no clear destination. Robert Millar is an enigmatic personality whose narrow focus and ambition brought him to the top of the cycling world. He never did what was expected of him and always exceeded the odds at those times when others were most dismissive. While Millar is a success story, he is not typical of what many perceive of a cyclist. He was deeply intelligent, calculating, mysterious and determined to enjoy the fruits of his labor without the burdens of fame that so often follow. He is an unlikely hero but a hero none the less.

    I have to give full props to Richard Moore, he is such a complete writer. I have read more than 30 books on the sport but Mr. Moore reveals some real gems of insight. While Robert Millar is the primary focus of the book, the author easily connects him to other important subjects including doping scandals, team tactics, cycling politics and criticisms of the media. All of these encompass athletes in a cyclone of pressures and prejudices. This is one of the best cycling books I have yet read. It is also one of the best athlete biographies you will ever find.
  • Christos K
    4.0 out of 5 stars No mystery at all
    Reviewed in the United States on 10 September 2013
    Overall, i liked the book as it was well-organized and nicely written. It also contains a lot of information for the road cycling enthusiasts of the era. But be aware, the title is misleading! There is not any mystery here, or if it is, the author failed to unravel it. The guy (Robert Millar) just hated getting media attention. That's all. Or at least what i understood. He was also extremely introvert and somewhat asocial. No bad traits at all. Personally, i tend to sympathize such guys. Doing their work, be honest and keep going. Yet, there is not any drama or mystery or intrigue or whatever to ravel out. Meaning that the text becomes boring and the finale somewhat disappointing. I was sceptical of assigning a 3* or a 4*. Better 4* for i bought it in a pretty low price but with some caveats....
  • np
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mixed emotions
    Reviewed in Germany on 6 June 2014
    In the end it is indeed a very good book and leaves one with the burning wish to relive those cycling years again. The times before radios in the race killed the race, before riders targeted ONE race in the whole season and got famous (still so embarrasing) and all lay on the road-the good, the bad, the ugly and the beauty. And it is convincing in respect to Robert Millar, the human being and the rider. Where it becomes unconvincing is when the author and his motives to make contact with Millar come into the mix. Sure nuff, if someone would write me those e-mails, I would roll my eyes and say, don't bother me anymore. But by all means, it doesn't take the pure pleasure away this book brings, when it is about cycling. So, in the end, it is a very good book.

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