The pièce de résistance of the cycling calendar begins on 1st July with the Grand Départ of the 104th Tour de France. Over the three weeks, the cyclists will cover 3,521 kilometres before crossing the Champs-Elysées finish line on Sunday 23rd July. Of the 21 stages five are mountain stages and they will only have two rest days. If you are already panicking about how you will fill those two TDF-free days, here are some books, maps and accessories to keep you busy thinking about bikes.
Higher Calling by Max Leonard
Mixing personal experiences, folklore and stories about cycling’s great legends, Max Leonard explores what it is about mountains that lures cyclists.
Butcher, Blacksmith, Acrobat, Sweep: The Tale of the First Tour De France by Peter Cossins
Peter Cossins takes us through the inaugural Tour de France, painting a nuanced portrait of France in the early 1900s, to see where the greatest sporting event of all began.
Cycling through Tuscany and Umbria to Rome by Paul Benjaminse
Cycling maps of Italy are rare so we were really excited when this cycle guide for Tuscany and Umbria came in. It’s a detailed guide for the regions of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. Focusing mainly on outer city routes, the map scales vary from 1:60,000 to 1:150,000 depending on the density of the roads and the need for showing greater detail.
London with Cycling Routes Wall Map
This map highlights cycling routes across the capital. The street network is overprinted with colours indicating different types of cycle routes: quieter roads recommended by cyclists, sign-posted routes including those on busier roads, provision for cyclists adjacent to busy roads, and restricted pedestrian only streets.
France IGN Greenways and Cycle Routes Wall Map
Here is the wall version of the IGN’s Voies vertes et Véloroutes de France map, which offers a global and unique view of all the bike trails in France, including the Eurovelo and major national and regional itineraries.
Le Tour de France: The Official History
With information on the history, the riders, the route and the bikes, this book contains everything you need to know about the Tour. Richly illustrated with photographs from every era.
The Ultimate UK Cycle Route Planner
If all this is inspiring you to explore the UK on two wheels this route map is ideal for planning your cycling trips at a glance. Includes traffic-free trails, attractions en route, minor road links and National Cycle Network numbering.
The 50 Greatest Bike Rides of the World by Sarah Woods
Sarah Woods tells of scenic single tracks, switchback climbs and routes newly discovered from around the world. Each with valuable tips and details to satisfy every cycling enthusiast.
Puncture Repair Kit
There is a lot of bike maintenance you can learn but the most useful is how to fix a repair. Make sure you are prepared while out cycling with this puncture repair kit. Small enough to fit in your pocket or saddle bag.
Retro Bike Pump
Based on a vintage design, this retro style bicycle pump is not only practical, it looks great. This is specifically for a Presta valve (that’s the one usually found on road bikes).