Reckless

The Life and Times of Luis Ocana

Nonfiction, Sports, Cycling, Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Reckless by Alasdair Fotheringham, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alasdair Fotheringham ISBN: 9781408846001
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: May 8, 2014
Imprint: Bloomsbury Sport Language: English
Author: Alasdair Fotheringham
ISBN: 9781408846001
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: May 8, 2014
Imprint: Bloomsbury Sport
Language: English

Luis Ocaña seemed doomed to live in the shadow of cycling's greatest ever rider, Eddy Merckx – 'The Cannibal'. Their rivalry defined Ocaña'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 España, and confirming his status as a Grand Tour challenger. But it was in the 1971 Tour de France that the battle between Merckx and Ocaña reached its peak when, at the Orcières-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 Ocaña 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 Ocaña became Spain's second ever Tour de France winner. If Merckx had been present, Ocaña's chances of success would have been far slimmer. Further triumphs amassed before his swansong in 1976, but Ocaña'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, Ocaña'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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Luis Ocaña seemed doomed to live in the shadow of cycling's greatest ever rider, Eddy Merckx – 'The Cannibal'. Their rivalry defined Ocaña'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 España, and confirming his status as a Grand Tour challenger. But it was in the 1971 Tour de France that the battle between Merckx and Ocaña reached its peak when, at the Orcières-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 Ocaña 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 Ocaña became Spain's second ever Tour de France winner. If Merckx had been present, Ocaña's chances of success would have been far slimmer. Further triumphs amassed before his swansong in 1976, but Ocaña'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, Ocaña'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.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book Vampire Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book The Gaff Rig Handbook by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book State, Economy and the Great Divergence by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book The Splintering of the American Mind by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book The Title by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book Building Jerusalem by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book Cinnamon Kitchen by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book Persia in Crisis by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book U-47 in Scapa Flow by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book Modelling a German 15cm sIG33 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II (Sf) (Bison II) by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book Flying Shoes by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book Replacing Your Boat's Engine by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book The History of All Saints’ Tudeley by Alasdair Fotheringham
Cover of the book Gravel Heart by Alasdair Fotheringham
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy