The green fields of France: Ireland's sporting heroes and the Tour De France

Abstract

Irish cyclists have been a regular feature of the Tour de France. By examining the lives and feats of the various Irish born riders that have taken part in the world's most famous bike race, this paper demonstrates the values and virtues that are considered heroic in this particular setting. While acknowledging the skill of the riders under consideration, the paper also examines whether it is the race itself and its long history that contributes to and creates such heroes.