Reckless: The Life and Times of Luis Ocana

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Reckless: The Life and Times of Luis Ocana

Luis OcaÃ±a seemed doomed to live in the shadow of cycling's greatest ever rider, Eddy Merckx â€“ 'The Cannibal'. Their rivalry defined OcaÃ±a'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 EspaÃ±a, and confirming his status as a Grand Tour challenger. But it was in the 1971 Tour de France that the battle between Merckx and OcaÃ±a reached its peak when, at the OrciÃ¨res-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 OcaÃ±a 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 OcaÃ±a became Spain's second ever Tour de France winner. If Merckx had been present, OcaÃ±a's chances of success would have been far slimmer. Further triumphs amassed before his swansong in 1976, but OcaÃ±a'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 â€“ never truly accepted in either country â€“ he died in mysterious circumstances aged just 48.

A fascinating, complicated character both on and off his bike, OcaÃ±a's fierce determination, impetuosity and â€“ some would say â€“ 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.

Country	USA
Author	Alasdair Fotheringham
Binding	Kindle Edition
Edition	1
EISBN	9781408846001
Format	Kindle eBook
Label	Bloomsbury Sport
Manufacturer	Bloomsbury Sport
NumberOfPages	305
PublicationDate	2014-05-08
Publisher	Bloomsbury Sport
ReleaseDate	2014-05-08
Studio	Bloomsbury Sport

Reckless: The Life and Times of Luis Ocana

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