Magic Spanner

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What to expect

SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2020 – CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR

'A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times' - Ian Cleverly, Rouleur

'Carlton Kirby is no ordinary cycling commentator, so it is not surprising that this very entertaining book is no ordinary Grand Tour on a bicycle. A very enjoyable journey for everyone' - Phil Liggett MBE, NBC Tour de France commentator

'Carlton Kirby's infectious enthusiasm, wine tips and Shakespearean joy for inventing words makes every stage of a bike race a must-watch event' - Matt Butler, i newspaper

Prepare to be entertained as legendary Eurosport cycling commentator Carlton Kirby shares his tales from the road, taking you behind the scenes of the world's greatest cycle races.

With a candid authority that comes from over 25 years commentating on the world's biggest cycling races, legendary Eurosport commentator Carlton Kirby isn't afraid to tell it like it really is. Witty, outrageous and often outspoken, Magic Spanner is an insider's view of life on cycling's Grand Tours, including the Tour de France, Giro D'Italia, Vuelta a España and the classics, all delivered in the inimitable style for which Carlton has become globally famous.

Peppered with hilarious anecdotes of life on the road with Tour legend Sean Kelly, Carlton gives us an expert, behind-the-scenes view – one that the average fan rarely gets to see or hear about. As well as sharing his various bugbears (including crazy spectators in mankinis to the more serious issues of rider safety), Carlton also lifts the lid on team strategies, and delves into some of cycling's more questionable ethics.

Delivering a mix of expert opinion and trademark wit, Carlton covers the funny, the serious and the more bizarre moments on the professional cycling caravan. This edition also includes Carlton's guide to watching bike racing - live at the roadside.

Critics Review

  • Carlton is never lost for words, whether commentating or writing. A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times

    Rouleur

  • Carlton Kirby is no ordinary cycling commentator, so it is not surprising that this very entertaining book is no ordinary Grand Tour on a bicycle. A very enjoyable journey for everyone

    Phil Liggett MBE, NBC Tour de France commentator

  • Carlton Kirby’s infectious enthusiasm, wine tips and Shakespearean joy for inventing words makes every stage of a bike race a must-watch event

    i newspaper

  • Carlton’s commentary never fails to bring a bike race to life, he has to be the Dalai Lama of all TV commentators

    Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain Race Director

  • There’s never a dull moment working with Carlton… I do try to keep him under control

    Joanna Rowsell-Shand MBE, Double Olympic Team Pursuit Gold Medallist and multiple World Champion

  • Kirby pulls back the curtain to reveal behind-the-scenes antics from cycling’s Grand Tours, laying bare the hilarious, leftfield and downright bizarre moments that covering the sport brings.

    The Herald

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