Association of British Cycling Coaches

Dancing Uphill: Frances Holland. M & N Publishing 2007. 176 pages paperback, £12.99. ISBN978-0-9555676-0-5

Everyone knows that Charlie Holland was the first Briton to ride, completely unsupported, in the Tour de France, performed heroically, and was only prevented from finishing by a lack of spare tyres – and that's all most people know. Fortunately for us his daughter has written this account of Charlie, a natural athlete and one of four brothers, all with sporting talent. Charlie had talent in spades and could have excelled in any sport – photos show him in soccer and hockey teams – but he finally opted for cycling. His career centred on time-trialling grass-track racing, and NCU circuit events, and on the back of this he rode in the 1932 and 1936 Olympics, won the 1936 BBAR, turned pro, broke road records and got invited to the Tour.

He sent regular despatches to the UK press, and the quality of his ride is apparent, despite the casual, matter-of-fact style of his account. The derailleur was used by all riders for the very first time, the roads were at best poorly-surfaced, and many stages were of the hideous three-part variety which made three a.m. starts inevitable. Charlie did particularly well in the unfamiliar mountains and was still riding strongly, 51 st on GC, when a series of punctures ended his Tour. Abandoned at the roadside, he finally got a lift to the stage finish from a passing motorist.

Much of the material is his own account, assembled from diaries and letters, supported by reports and accounts from contemporary cycling journalism Like so many of his contemporaries, of course, Charlie's best years were lost to the war, and then to the inflexible rule that denied professionals the opportunity of reverting to amateur status. But the tough Midlander was a genuine cyclist: when he was finally allowed to race again as an amateur (in 1968!) he returned to time-trials and won the 1974 Vets BAR.

This is not a great literary work, but it is an enjoyable read, and, more important, an invaluable record of an outstanding rider of the highest class whose achievements, through no fault of his own, fell short of his great potential. He could have raced internationally at the highest level for years. Like anything which included contemporary writing and comment, it's also a social document which reveals the values and attitudes which informed everyday life. Excellent production, profusely illustrated, useful index, and an essential addition to any cycling library.