Ken Brown

Road to Valour is a biography about an Italian cycling hero of the 30s and 40s, Gino Bartali. However it is more than a biography because we learn a lot about conditions in Italy during the 1930s and 40s.

In 1943 Bartali was recruited by the Archbishop of Florence in a dangerous effort to help save Jews from the Nazis and Fascists. Given the failure of the Vatican to provide humanitarian assistance to Jews during the war (my opinion, but well documented) it is nice to know that a lot of individual clergy did. These chapters are quite gripping and suspenseful.

The chapters about racing are excellent as well, particularly the 1948 Tour de France. I don't usually read this type of book but I loved it. It is easy reading and well written. I read a library copy so hopefully yours has it too. It was written by Aili and Andres McConnon, published 2012 by Doubleday Canada and I assume Doubleday in other countries.

Keith99

I had not heard about this. Not a surprise however, his nickname was Gino the Pious.

BTW his wins in the TDF in 1938 and 1948 mark the longest timespan from first to last TDF win for a rider.

jeffpoulin

Thanks for the recommendation! I downloaded the sample (first 2 chapters) for my ipad and enjoyed it so much, I bought the book.

Ken Brown

The website for this book includes photos and a short video:

https://roadtovalorbook.com/

JoeMan

Thanks for the tip.