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Reckless: The Life and Times of Luis Ocana

Luis Ocana seemed doomed to live in the shadow of cycling`s greatest ever rider, Eddy Merckx – `The Cannibal`. Their rivalry defined Ocana`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 Espana, and confirming his status as a Grand Tour challenger. But it was in the 1971 Tour de France that the battle between Merckx and Ocana reached its peak when, at the Orcieres-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 Ocana 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 Ocana became Spain`s second ever Tour de France winner. If Merckx had been present, Ocana`s chances of success would have been far slimmer. Further triumphs amassed before his swansong in 1976, but Ocana`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 – never truly accepted in either country – he died in mysterious circumstances aged just 48. A fascinating, complicated character both on and off his bike, Ocana`s fierce determination, impetuosity and – some would say – 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.

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