Experience the thrill and intensity of the Tour de France's most challenging climbs as never before, using the breathtaking photography of Google Earth. In this stunning book, 20 notorious Tour de France Hors Catégorie climbs - ascents that are above classification - from past and present races are illustrated using Google Earth's high-definition satellite imagery.
From the dizzying heights of the 2,715-metre ascent of Col de la Bonette to the historic Great St Bernard Pass, to Col du Galibier's incredibly tortuous 15 percent gradient climb and Alpe d'Huez's famous hairpins, where legendary cyclists such as Fausto Coppi and Marco Pantani once showed off their physical strength and stamina, and blasted home with unbelievable acceleration and will-power that left other cyclists tasting their dust.
Featuring more than 220 photographs that provide a unique aerial guide to the twists, turns and topography of each climb and the beautiful surrounding mountain geography, The Tour de France Legendary Climbs explains in authoritative detail, the history, winners (and losers) and challengers of each of these famous ascents. This is the definitive visual companion to the thrilling 100-year chronicle of Tour de France cycling.
