PAMELA PEASE
POP-UP TOUR DE FRANCE
THE WORLD’S GREATEST BIKE RACE
(July 2009)
by Pamela Pease
Every July, nearly two hundred elite endurance athletes—cyclists—race for 23 fiercely competitive days, covering more than 2,200 miles in a spectacular circuit of steep mountain climbs and rolling countryside. The Tour de France, the oldest and most prestigious bicycle race, attracts top contenders to pedal in pursuit of the Yellow Jersey that is reserved for the world’s best cyclist.
Pamela Pease, founder of Paintbox Press, has captured this intense and exciting sports event in her wonderfully imaginative book, POP-UP TOUR DE FRANCE: The World’s Greatest Bike Race (Paintbox Press; July 1, 2009; $36.00). This is Pease’s third pop-up book; her Macy’s on Parade: A Pop-Up Book for Children of All Ages was named one of the 10 most outstanding independently published books of the year in 2002. Pop-up and movable books date back as far as the 13th century, and were designed to engage the reader through words, images, and three-dimensional paper engineering. Now, keeping that delightful and intricate tradition alive, Pease brings us along for a spellbinding ride in POP-UP TOUR DE FRANCE.
Created with the endorsement of the official Tour de France organization, POP-UP TOUR DE FRANCE is as alluring as the race itself. Perfect for cycling enthusiasts, as well as those who still use training wheels, this captivating book offers the history of the ultimate cycling race in the most adventurous fashion! From hobby horse to BMX, Pease takes us through the evolution of the bicycle. On the brilliantly illustrated pages, learn fascinating facts about how the teams are put together, time trials, the flame rouge (red flame), the demanding terrains of the competition’s flat and mountain stages, and follow the riders to the finish line in Paris! In POP-UP TOUR DE FRANCE, you will also discover the unique culture of the race and its unofficial rules including:
• If the race passes through a rider’s home village, as a sign of respect, he is permitted to ride ahead to greet family and friends;
• If a rider loses time because of a fall or collision, it is unacceptable for other riders to use that misfortune to gain an advantage for themselves;
• In celebration of Bastille Day [French independence day on July 14th], it is considered polite to allow a French rider to win the race that day—as long as it does not affect the overall outcome of the race.
We hope you enjoy this unique book and we look forward to speaking with you about POP-UP TOUR DE FRANCE!