VeloPress has published the exciting new book The Tour Is Won on the Alpe: Alpe d'Huez and the Classic Battles of the Tour de France by cycling historian Jean-Paul Vespini. Each chapter covers one ascent, starting with Fausto Coppi's astonishing victory in 1952.

This one mountain climb embodies the spirit and magic of the Tour de France. Its 21 hairpin turns and average gradient of 8.1 percent over 13.1 kilometers have become legendary, changing the careers of riders like Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong, and nearly destroying Jan Ullrich and Marco Pantani. Here at last is the definitive history and unforgettable story of cycling's greatest challenge.

Vespini tells the story of this celebrated climb and the mountain that so often acts as the ultimate arbiter for cycling's biggest prize. Vespini's riveting descriptions of each battle to the top include candid interviews with riders, new insight into epic rivalries, and little-known but fascinating facts about the climb that has become a rite of passage for every rider in the peloton.

Cycling's most famous names are all present and accounted for: Coppi, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Pedro Delgado, Miguel Indurain, Marco Pantani, Greg LeMond, and Lance Armstrong.

Order now to receive it in time for this year's Tour de France battle on the Alpe d'Huez.

Ordering from the U.S.? Click here to order from Amazon.com.

Ordering from Europe? Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk.