Road to Valor: A True Story of WWII Italy, the Nazis, and the Cyclist Who Inspired a Nation

I have read a few books on the Tour de France. How the Tour originated as a means to sell newspapers; and how the tour united disparate parts of France into one modern country. Where politics had failed to unite France, cycling's grand international event, Le Tour, had won. So many dynamics go into the Tour, from business sponsorships to political jockeying. Also, the Tour de France has catapulted cyclist that come from obscurity to rock star status; from being mere bakers to being demigods, in a single season. However, one thing I hadn't read or was privy to was the way the Tour had united other countries like Italy. I was aware of the competition between Coppi and Bartali during the golden era of cycling. As a cyclist enthusiast and some one vested in the sport on almost a daily level, I enjoyed the detail into Bartali's life, his training, his failures and his victories on the bike. Its fascinating how cherished and how reviled cycling stars can be on a flick of a switch. What wasn't know to me was the political climate of Italy during that era—the Mussolini era. To say that Italians were divide is an understatement. Nothing divides countries more than politics. Our country is experiencing that as we speak. After reading this book, I can no longer flippantly call people or politicians fascist. Italian fascism, the place of its origin, was particularity brutal. All Italians suffered under the strain of political fascism. The current political climate in the USA is nowhere close to Italy in the 30s and 40s. All Italy was under the dark shroud of fascism and in particular those who helped Jews escape or hide. The book mentions the value of human life at the time in Italy was trifle, especially if you were found aiding or abiding Jews. It was a capital crime to help Jews. It was a capital crime to be anti-Fascist, especially if you were vocal about it. The climate in WWII Italy was nefarious and dark. The war effort also brought bleakness and hunger to Italy. The fascist ideology was heavily vested into flexing its military muscles and expanding by military might which brought rationing and its evil twin sister, hunger. Gino Bartali, the international racing star and dandy of Italian cycling had a lot to lose. The way the book lays it out, although he wasn't vocal about his distaste for the Mussolini regime, Gino Bartali’s actions and silence spoke volumes. His close association to the Catholic church also stamped his loyalties; as these two Italian monoliths, Fascism and Catholicism, were in stark opposition to each other. I enjoyed learning about the how the Catholic church had taken on the mantle of saviors to the Jewish people. It's come as a pleasant surprise. During the worst years Italian Jews faced, the church came to the rescue, organized relief efforts, printed false documents and hid Jews both young and old in their convents or found people willing to do so. This is something that was new to me and although the Mussolini regime was brutal, nothing compares to Germany's involvement in the holocaust. That is also mentioned in the book — how Mussolini was imprisoned by Italians and how Germany's elite special forces, in a daring plot, helped him escape. I would have liked reading a chapter devoted to this German military exploit, which was integral to that period of time in Italy and the fate of Jews afterwards. If Italian jews felt the strangulation of their fates during the Mussolini years, it became much worse after Germany helped him escape his imprisonment. From then on, SS Germans and Black shirt Fascist Italians, were on the prowl looking for Jews and those involved in helping them escape. The ante was up, and Italian Jews were being hunted mercilessly, if captured, being sent straight to Auschwitz. It was about this time that Gino Bartali was approached to help the cause by his trusted confessor, Cardinal Della Costa. Though this isn’t mentioned in the book, Della Costa is a Converso Jewish surname. I wonder if his helping Jews stemmed from his Jewish past…Again, if found out, it came at a terrible price, especially as Germany is now involved in the day-to-day policing of Italy. I would have liked to know how many Jewish families Gino Bartali helped during the Italian war time effort. Unfortunately, each key player was kept in secrecy about who and how the underground organization was involved. However, I would have contacted Israel and made a call form inquiry for any Italian Jews that fled from Italy during that epoch. The authors didn’t expand on that and I feel its extremely important and satisfying to know the results of one’s labor; especially since its investigative writing. Though one thing that the book really unfolds is how political the Tour de France was and remains to date. Fascist ideology requires that their subjects are the best physical specimens to be lauded. Mussolini and Hitler needed that accolade and both invested heavily in sporting events, of course the precedent was to win. When Gino won the Tour in 1938 he became the darling of the Fascist regime—he became the poster boy if Italian superiority. When Bartali didn’t acknowledge Benito Mussolini or his regime, during his acceptance speech, his welcome back home was frigid. From that point he face scrutiny form his black shirted fascist country men. If he wasn’t such a super star, it wouldn’t have surprised anyone if he was found dead, as some of his lesser known colleagues were found when they disrespected Il Duce. Its because if his incredible fame that Gino Bartali escaped death or imprisonment and helped him be an integral part of Italy’s clandestine operations. The book, Road to Valor, is a great piece of information in the puzzle of WWII war time activities, especially as it relates to Italy. I would have liked to see it unfold into more comprehensive accounts of others who helped the cause, or those who survived because of Gino Bartali’s involvement. I binge read the book in about three days, it reads well and its action packed and inspiring. Overall, the book is a must read, especially if you’re a cyclist, study Jewish history, or are Italian. I can see this being adopted into a movie. Though there is one out there as we speak, its boring, I think this book if adopted well can be a great adventure of daring and honor. Gino, like most war veterans didn't like to talk about his exploits or his fears; this book helps uncover a true hero, not only to Italy, but to humanity. The Talmud states: Whoever destroys a soul [of Israel], it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life of Israel, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.

Just days ago, I finished reading the inspiring true story of the Italian cyclist Gino Bartali. He won the Tour de France at the age of 24, and incredibly did it a second time in 1948 when he was 34 years old, after the end of World War II. At the advanced age of 34, many thought that Bartoli was too old to win the race. But he did just that. Moreover, he had won the Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy) two times, in 1936, 1937 and also in 1946. Bartali's life is a testimony to heroic athleticism and the unswerving conviction of his Catholic faith. It was not unusual for him to attend Mass between stages in a race or to be reading about the lives of the saints. Bartali was a champion athlete but also a man of faith. The book is called Road to Valor and the authors are Aili and Adres McConnon. The story is divided into four sections: Gino Bartali's early life before World War II, his secret work to save Jews during the war, the 1948 victory of the Tour de France after the war and an Epilogue. Bartoli was only 24 years-old when he won the Tour de France and became known on the national and international stage. Sadly, it was also a time when the Fascists led by Benito Mussolini tried to exploit Gino's win for political purposes. The sporting win would have made for great propaganda to help push the Fascist ideology of the superman but Gino would not collaborate. He didn't even mention Mussolini in his victory speech after the 1938 Tour de France. Instead of the Fascist salute, he made the Sign of the Cross. He dedicated many of his wins to the Blessed Mother. This must have irritated Il Duce. It goes without saying that World War II cut short, like it did for all Italians, Bartali's cycling ambitions. When the Nazis occupied Italy, Bartali accepted to undertake the dangerous activity of delivering forged documents for Jews whose lives were in danger. He would hide the false identity papers in the seat of his bicycle and travel from Florence, his hometown and go as far as Assisi to save Jewish lives. Bartali even hid a family in his own cellar. To make it look like he was training, Bartali cycled wearing his racing jersey. It helped that Bartali could easily pass checkpoints simply because he was a public figure. Both German and Fascist soldiers recognized the great cyclist. The secret operation saved some 800 lives. After the suffering and destruction of the war, Bartali tries to get his cycling career back in gear. When he entered the Tour de France in 1948, few believed that he could win. He was considered too old and his best days behind him. Italians were more worried about the problems caused by the war than sports. There was much political instability. Strikes and riots broke out after the attempted assassination of Palmiro Tagliatti, the leader of the Italian Communist Party. Even though the Christian Democrats had won the election, most Italians didn't know who to trust after the war. Nevertheless, Bartali manages, with some government support, to enter the Tour de France. Against all odds he manages to find the strength and stamina to win the race for the second time, ten years after his first win. To get an idea of what Bartoli accomplished in 1948, it helps to know that the Tour de France is broken into 21 day-long races over a 23-day period. The distance covered is about 3,500 kilometres. Much of the route is hilly and mountainous. When Bartali won the race for the second time, he was 34 years old. By that time, he had married Adriana Bani in a simple ceremony in Florence. The long race is an incredible accomplishment for a young athlete, let alone an older one. Road to Valor tells one of those great stories of love, faith, fatherhood, courage and redemption in the face of suffering, death and adversity. Bartali gave the world an example of humanity and athleticism at its best. Once I started reading this book I could not put it down until I completed it. Bartali in thanking his teammates after an almost impossible win in 1948 at the Tour de France sums it best, "Everyone in their life has his own particular way of expressing life's purpose -- the lawyer his eloquence, the painter his palette, and the man of letters his pen from which the quick words of his story flow. I have my bicycle." About his dangerous underground work that not even his wife knew about, to save Jewish lives, he wisely observed, "If you're good at your sport, they attach medals to your shirts and then they shine in some museum. That which is earned by doing good deeds is attached to the soul and shines elsewhere." Bartali never forgot his humble roots and his faith in God. Bartali refused to play politics by siding with the Fascists. He did not say so publicly. However, he let his silence speak. He was a loyal member of the Catholic organization Catholic Action. Living with Fascism, Communism and Catholicism, he was true to his faith before and after the war. He was faithful to his wife, family and friends. He worked secretly with Cardinal Elia Della Costa of Florence to shelter and save thousands of Jews from being killed or sent to Nazi concentration camps. The SS Germans and Black shirt Fascist had no compassion for Jews or anyone who helped them. Many people, including Bartali and leaders in the Catholic Church risked their lives to save Jews. This is something that many still don't know about to this day. Bartali has been recognized by Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, as Righteous Among the Nations. We don't know exactly just how much Bartali did to save Jewish lives because he would not talk about it. Bartali like many Italians, wanted to put the pain, suffering, death and destruction that the war had caused behind them. He lived the life of a true hero not just for the Italians but for the world. In saving the life of many Jews, Bartali also saved his own life. He rejected racial laws that tried to make Jews into inferior people. Living the truth and doing good lasts beyond the grave. Bartali's heroism in the face of evil is living proof of this.

This is the latest of a string of bicycling books that I recently read. I also recently read, and enjoyed, A Dog in a Hat, Bobke II, Domestique, One Day Ahead, and the Bike Snob's first book. Road to Valor was in some ways the best of the lot. I try to not spoil a book for those who read my reviews, but I can tell you that I would not have enjoyed Road to Valor as much if I had not read Dog in a Hat, Bobke II, and Domestique. The writing in Valor is top-notch, and the research seems to be excellent. The epilogue adds a great deal to the book. Dang, there's a lot I want to tell you, but my "lips" are sealed. Read this book! I bicycle about 290 days a year, 15,000 miles in the last 2 years, all road bikes, some vintage. A huge photo of the Eiffel Tower is mounted in the room where I watch the Tour de France and other bicycle races on television. Just so you know where I come from.

Road to Valor is about the true story of Gino Bartali, a two time Tour de France champion who spent the WWII years transporting documents in connection with a Catholic Church organization to save Jewish refugees from Nazi occupiers and their Fascist collaborators. This is a very well researched work and consists really of two stories. One is the story of Gino Bartali's life, including his youth, his family life, and, of course, his bicycle racing activities. The other is about Italy both during Mussolini's reign and during the post war period. Gino Bartali's 1948 Tour victory is portrayed as having helped lift Italy out of its turmoil at the time, as there were riots between Communist and non-Communist factions at those years. Anyhow, a good read for cycling and Gino Bartali fans.

Road to Valor: The True Story of World War II in Italy, the Nazis, and the Cyclist Who Inspired a Nation is written by Aili and Andre McConnon. This is the true story of a little boy who is fascinated by bikes and later racing them. He went on to win the Tour de France in 1938 and then defended his title 10 years later. It is also the story of one of Yad Vashem’s Righteous Gentiles for his heroic work on behalf of the Jews in Italy during World War II. Gino Bartili and his brother Guido grew up I rural Tuscany where once they were old enough, spent their free time racing their bicycles up and down the nearby hills. Every time, one of the Bartali won the races. Gino wanted to enter the big races; but his Father was against it for fear of his son getting hurt on the very rough roads they were racing on. Finally, he relented and the boys began playing and winning their races. Unfortunately, their Father’s fear of a tragic accident came true, although it was Guido who was killed. Gino, who felt guilty for getting Guido interested in racing, felt guilty for Gino’s death the rest of his life. Gino had the desire to win the Guio d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same time. This was not to be. He won the Tour de France in 1938 but then World War II interfered in facing. During the war, Gino did his time in the Italian Army and then went to work in a bicycle shop. One day his friend, a priest, came and asked him to join him in a resistance program. Using his need to continue practicing his racing, he took orders for false iD’s to a forger and picked up the ID’s and brought them back. He used his hollow bike to hide the papers in and used his practice time to move the papers. After the war, he used his contacts to revive the racing circuit in Italy. Once more he set his sights on the Giro and the Tour. Although his racing career was interrupted for ten years, he managed to find the fortitude to bring his racing power back and win the Tour de France in 1948. At that time, he became a hero because with the country following his race, they avoided a rebellion. In 2013, his actions during World War II were honored by Yad Vashem when they honored him with the title of Righteous Among the Nations.

He was a boy who came from a relatively poor family living in a small town near Florence. He was able to go to a school in Florence, but had to buy a bicycle for transportation. He worked and saved his money, and was finally able to buy a fourth-hand bike. It changed his life. The boy became Gino Bartali, one of the great cycling legends. In “Road to Valor: A True Story of World War II Italy, the Nazis, and the Cyclist Who Inspired a Nation,” Aili and Andres McConnon tell Bartali’s story. Actually, they tell three interlocking stories. The first is Gino Bartali the great cyclist, who won the Tour de France twice – with each win separated by a decade – a record for time in-between wins that’s still unbroken. The second is Gino Bartali the Italian resistance messenger, who at the behest of the Archbishop of Florence smuggled fake identity documents all over northern Italy, hidden in his bicycle. What he did saved the lives of hundreds of Jews. He even hid a Jewish family from the Nazis in his basement in Florence. The third is Gino Bartali, the man whose impossible victory in a Tour de France stage in the Alps helped to stop exploding violence in Italy between the Communist and Christian Democratic parties. As one observer pointed out, men who had been trying to kill each other suddenly turned their attention northward, and celebrated Bartali’s victory together. Bartali had been 21 minutes behind the Tour leader, and in one stage erased the difference. He powered on to win the 1948 Tour, despite all of sports journalists and cycling fans who considered him a “washed-up old man” at 33. The story of helping the Italian resistance and saving the lives of Jews was learned only fairly recently. Bartali, who died in 2000 at the age of 85, never talked about until late in life, when he told his oldest son some of what happened. Others, especially the Jewish families he helped to save, corroborated his story. His cycling around Tuscany, Umbria and other Italian locales could always be explained as “training.” But secreted in the tubes of his bicycle were false identity papers, to help protect Jews and also to help many escape. The McConnons tell a riveting, wonderful story. Bartali wasn’t a saint; he had his human frailties like the rest of us. But he had great courage, and he acted on that courage – to save lives, and to win an impossible race. Even if you’re not a cycling fan, “Road to Valor” is an inspiring, moving account of a terrible time in human history.

First, this book needs to updated: joining many of the persons who are mentioned in the book, Baltali was inducted into Yad Vashem's Righteous Among Nations a few days ago. Perhaps it was only his modesty and unwillingness to have his fame overshadow the efforts, and sufferings, of other less famoous people that kept this form happening sooner. Second, the Kindle edition works better than many other Kindle books, in that the illustrations are meshed into the the text just as they are in the print edition, and not placed at the end as happens in too many other Kindle books. Third, the Audible edition, though not advertised as such, syncs with the Kindle app for iPad and the Kindle edition. Many Audible ediitons too, though they are advertised as not doing so. Finally, this a great read. While it leaves out the details of some of Baratli's last great races against Fausto Coppi, the focus is on Bartali the man, someone who did live up to the ideal of a sports hero who is a good person, who values family and righteous living above all, eschews drugs (unless cigarettes and copious amounts of espresso are drugs) and while voluble, in the end has a good sense of who he is and his place in the world. I will take one Bartali against every single player in the NFL, MLB and NBA combined. He got into sports as a way out of a life of poverty, but he never forgot who he was, where he came from, and his place in the world. In this well written, quick reading book, you will read about a rare person who did his duty not only to his sport, but to humanity.

I became interested in reading Gino Bartali's story after viewing "My Italian Secret". I am not disappointed. The writing is clear, concise, understandable and informative. I am discovering facts of a boy who grew up poor and became a man of distinction and valor. I'm learning facts about cycling of which I was not aware. I am learning that Mr. Bartali was able to combine his athletics with a desire to make a difference. Throughout the reading, I do not have the impression that Mr. Bartali was looking for heroism; rather, I am impressed that a poor man with a generous nature looked toward improving the quality of his family's life and at the same time participate in a sport he loved from childhood.That he won the two Tours de France made him a hero in society; that he mindfully used his celebrity to quietly make a moral difference to a people who suffered and lost so much has made him a hero in humanitarianism. This is what I learned from "Road To Valor", a book I'm hard pressed to put down. This is not a sappy adulteration. Its authenticity and research is impressive and leaves this reader appreciative of the authors' work.

"Road to Valor" is an inspirational tale of Italian cycling legend Gino Bartali. From a small town upbringing outside of Florence to his unlikely rise as Tour de France champion in 1938, Bartali's legend is not about his victories against other riders but for his underground contributions during WWII to save lives. As WWII raged on in Europe, Bartali's best years of cycling competition were wiped away. However, instead of capturing the imagination of the public with his exploits in bike races, Bartali rode to save lives. With a plan concocted by a Roman Catholic priest, he began transporting forged documents in his bike frame between Florence and Assisi. These papers became new identities for Italian Jews, their papers for survival rather than transport to to concentration camps outside of Italy. Bartali protected those around him through these years, not disclosing his frequent absences from home to even his wife as anything more than training. By the time WWII was over and cycling competitions began anew, Bartali's best days were behind him. However, his performance in 1948 is truly astounding. As Italy teeters on the brink of civil war, Bartali shocks his fellow racers with an epic ride through the Alps in what unimaginable weather conditions. By the time he is done conquering the mountains, he wins his second Tour de France in staggering fashion. To this day he holds the distinction for longest gap between Tour victories. In today's age of diet, conditioning and nutrition, Bartali's chain-smoking, red wine drinking will undoubtedly leave modern athletes shaking their heads a bit in disbelief --- I certainly wondered how he survived to even win the 1948 Tour. Bartali remained reticent to discuss anything he did in WWII and it is a remarkable bunch of research the McConnon's do to uncover the emotional heart and soul of this story. I'm grateful for their devotion to this man and his story. The world is quite lucky to know Gino Bartali beyond just a cycling record.

I am a fan of the Tour de France and other international bike races. This book gave me a new perspective on the sport and the sorts of men who participate in the races, the nationalism and politics involved, the corrupting influences present, and why it is easy to cheat. The story centers on Gina Bartali, a two time winner of the race ten years apart. This man was a great contributor to saving the lives of Italian Jews from the German occupiers and Italian collaborators present in Italy in WW2. His talent for riding helped his imaginative efforts. This carefully researched biography shows how great athletes can also be great heroes outside their overpowering urge to always win at sports.

I have read a few books on the Tour de France. How the Tour originated as a means to sell newspapers; and how the tour united disparate parts of France into one modern country. Where politics had failed to unite France, cycling's grand international event, Le Tour, had won. So many dynamics go into the Tour, from business sponsorships to political jockeying. Also, the Tour de France has catapulted cyclist that come from obscurity to rock star status; from being mere bakers to being demigods, in a single season. However, one thing I hadn't read or was privy to was the way the Tour had united other countries like Italy. I was aware of the competition between Coppi and Bartali during the golden era of cycling. As a cyclist enthusiast and some one vested in the sport on almost a daily level, I enjoyed the detail into Bartali's life, his training, his failures and his victories on the bike. Its fascinating how cherished and how reviled cycling stars can be on a flick of a switch. What wasn't know to me was the political climate of Italy during that era—the Mussolini era. To say that Italians were divide is an understatement. Nothing divides countries more than politics. Our country is experiencing that as we speak. After reading this book, I can no longer flippantly call people or politicians fascist. Italian fascism, the place of its origin, was particularity brutal. All Italians suffered under the strain of political fascism. The current political climate in the USA is nowhere close to Italy in the 30s and 40s. All Italy was under the dark shroud of fascism and in particular those who helped Jews escape or hide. The book mentions the value of human life at the time in Italy was trifle, especially if you were found aiding or abiding Jews. It was a capital crime to help Jews. It was a capital crime to be anti-Fascist, especially if you were vocal about it. The climate in WWII Italy was nefarious and dark. The war effort also brought bleakness and hunger to Italy. The fascist ideology was heavily vested into flexing its military muscles and expanding by military might which brought rationing and its evil twin sister, hunger. Gino Bartali, the international racing star and dandy of Italian cycling had a lot to lose. The way the book lays it out, although he wasn't vocal about his distaste for the Mussolini regime, Gino Bartali’s actions and silence spoke volumes. His close association to the Catholic church also stamped his loyalties; as these two Italian monoliths, Fascism and Catholicism, were in stark opposition to each other. I enjoyed learning about the how the Catholic church had taken on the mantle of saviors to the Jewish people. It's come as a pleasant surprise. During the worst years Italian Jews faced, the church came to the rescue, organized relief efforts, printed false documents and hid Jews both young and old in their convents or found people willing to do so. This is something that was new to me and although the Mussolini regime was brutal, nothing compares to Germany's involvement in the holocaust. That is also mentioned in the book — how Mussolini was imprisoned by Italians and how Germany's elite special forces, in a daring plot, helped him escape. I would have liked reading a chapter devoted to this German military exploit, which was integral to that period of time in Italy and the fate of Jews afterwards. If Italian jews felt the strangulation of their fates during the Mussolini years, it became much worse after Germany helped him escape his imprisonment. From then on, SS Germans and Black shirt Fascist Italians, were on the prowl looking for Jews and those involved in helping them escape. The ante was up, and Italian Jews were being hunted mercilessly, if captured, being sent straight to Auschwitz. It was about this time that Gino Bartali was approached to help the cause by his trusted confessor, Cardinal Della Costa. Though this isn’t mentioned in the book, Della Costa is a Converso Jewish surname. I wonder if his helping Jews stemmed from his Jewish past…Again, if found out, it came at a terrible price, especially as Germany is now involved in the day-to-day policing of Italy. I would have liked to know how many Jewish families Gino Bartali helped during the Italian war time effort. Unfortunately, each key player was kept in secrecy about who and how the underground organization was involved. However, I would have contacted Israel and made a call form inquiry for any Italian Jews that fled from Italy during that epoch. The authors didn’t expand on that and I feel its extremely important and satisfying to know the results of one’s labor; especially since its investigative writing. Though one thing that the book really unfolds is how political the Tour de France was and remains to date. Fascist ideology requires that their subjects are the best physical specimens to be lauded. Mussolini and Hitler needed that accolade and both invested heavily in sporting events, of course the precedent was to win. When Gino won the Tour in 1938 he became the darling of the Fascist regime—he became the poster boy if Italian superiority. When Bartali didn’t acknowledge Benito Mussolini or his regime, during his acceptance speech, his welcome back home was frigid. From that point he face scrutiny form his black shirted fascist country men. If he wasn’t such a super star, it wouldn’t have surprised anyone if he was found dead, as some of his lesser known colleagues were found when they disrespected Il Duce. Its because if his incredible fame that Gino Bartali escaped death or imprisonment and helped him be an integral part of Italy’s clandestine operations. The book, Road to Valor, is a great piece of information in the puzzle of WWII war time activities, especially as it relates to Italy. I would have liked to see it unfold into more comprehensive accounts of others who helped the cause, or those who survived because of Gino Bartali’s involvement. I binge read the book in about three days, it reads well and its action packed and inspiring. Overall, the book is a must read, especially if you’re a cyclist, study Jewish history, or are Italian. I can see this being adopted into a movie. Though there is one out there as we speak, its boring, I think this book if adopted well can be a great adventure of daring and honor. Gino, like most war veterans didn't like to talk about his exploits or his fears; this book helps uncover a true hero, not only to Italy, but to humanity. The Talmud states: Whoever destroys a soul [of Israel], it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life of Israel, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.

Just days ago, I finished reading the inspiring true story of the Italian cyclist Gino Bartali. He won the Tour de France at the age of 24, and incredibly did it a second time in 1948 when he was 34 years old, after the end of World War II. At the advanced age of 34, many thought that Bartoli was too old to win the race. But he did just that. Moreover, he had won the Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy) two times, in 1936, 1937 and also in 1946. Bartali's life is a testimony to heroic athleticism and the unswerving conviction of his Catholic faith. It was not unusual for him to attend Mass between stages in a race or to be reading about the lives of the saints. Bartali was a champion athlete but also a man of faith. The book is called Road to Valor and the authors are Aili and Adres McConnon. The story is divided into four sections: Gino Bartali's early life before World War II, his secret work to save Jews during the war, the 1948 victory of the Tour de France after the war and an Epilogue. Bartoli was only 24 years-old when he won the Tour de France and became known on the national and international stage. Sadly, it was also a time when the Fascists led by Benito Mussolini tried to exploit Gino's win for political purposes. The sporting win would have made for great propaganda to help push the Fascist ideology of the superman but Gino would not collaborate. He didn't even mention Mussolini in his victory speech after the 1938 Tour de France. Instead of the Fascist salute, he made the Sign of the Cross. He dedicated many of his wins to the Blessed Mother. This must have irritated Il Duce. It goes without saying that World War II cut short, like it did for all Italians, Bartali's cycling ambitions. When the Nazis occupied Italy, Bartali accepted to undertake the dangerous activity of delivering forged documents for Jews whose lives were in danger. He would hide the false identity papers in the seat of his bicycle and travel from Florence, his hometown and go as far as Assisi to save Jewish lives. Bartali even hid a family in his own cellar. To make it look like he was training, Bartali cycled wearing his racing jersey. It helped that Bartali could easily pass checkpoints simply because he was a public figure. Both German and Fascist soldiers recognized the great cyclist. The secret operation saved some 800 lives. After the suffering and destruction of the war, Bartali tries to get his cycling career back in gear. When he entered the Tour de France in 1948, few believed that he could win. He was considered too old and his best days behind him. Italians were more worried about the problems caused by the war than sports. There was much political instability. Strikes and riots broke out after the attempted assassination of Palmiro Tagliatti, the leader of the Italian Communist Party. Even though the Christian Democrats had won the election, most Italians didn't know who to trust after the war. Nevertheless, Bartali manages, with some government support, to enter the Tour de France. Against all odds he manages to find the strength and stamina to win the race for the second time, ten years after his first win. To get an idea of what Bartoli accomplished in 1948, it helps to know that the Tour de France is broken into 21 day-long races over a 23-day period. The distance covered is about 3,500 kilometres. Much of the route is hilly and mountainous. When Bartali won the race for the second time, he was 34 years old. By that time, he had married Adriana Bani in a simple ceremony in Florence. The long race is an incredible accomplishment for a young athlete, let alone an older one. Road to Valor tells one of those great stories of love, faith, fatherhood, courage and redemption in the face of suffering, death and adversity. Bartali gave the world an example of humanity and athleticism at its best. Once I started reading this book I could not put it down until I completed it. Bartali in thanking his teammates after an almost impossible win in 1948 at the Tour de France sums it best, "Everyone in their life has his own particular way of expressing life's purpose -- the lawyer his eloquence, the painter his palette, and the man of letters his pen from which the quick words of his story flow. I have my bicycle." About his dangerous underground work that not even his wife knew about, to save Jewish lives, he wisely observed, "If you're good at your sport, they attach medals to your shirts and then they shine in some museum. That which is earned by doing good deeds is attached to the soul and shines elsewhere." Bartali never forgot his humble roots and his faith in God. Bartali refused to play politics by siding with the Fascists. He did not say so publicly. However, he let his silence speak. He was a loyal member of the Catholic organization Catholic Action. Living with Fascism, Communism and Catholicism, he was true to his faith before and after the war. He was faithful to his wife, family and friends. He worked secretly with Cardinal Elia Della Costa of Florence to shelter and save thousands of Jews from being killed or sent to Nazi concentration camps. The SS Germans and Black shirt Fascist had no compassion for Jews or anyone who helped them. Many people, including Bartali and leaders in the Catholic Church risked their lives to save Jews. This is something that many still don't know about to this day. Bartali has been recognized by Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, as Righteous Among the Nations. We don't know exactly just how much Bartali did to save Jewish lives because he would not talk about it. Bartali like many Italians, wanted to put the pain, suffering, death and destruction that the war had caused behind them. He lived the life of a true hero not just for the Italians but for the world. In saving the life of many Jews, Bartali also saved his own life. He rejected racial laws that tried to make Jews into inferior people. Living the truth and doing good lasts beyond the grave. Bartali's heroism in the face of evil is living proof of this.

This is the latest of a string of bicycling books that I recently read. I also recently read, and enjoyed, A Dog in a Hat, Bobke II, Domestique, One Day Ahead, and the Bike Snob's first book. Road to Valor was in some ways the best of the lot. I try to not spoil a book for those who read my reviews, but I can tell you that I would not have enjoyed Road to Valor as much if I had not read Dog in a Hat, Bobke II, and Domestique. The writing in Valor is top-notch, and the research seems to be excellent. The epilogue adds a great deal to the book. Dang, there's a lot I want to tell you, but my "lips" are sealed. Read this book! I bicycle about 290 days a year, 15,000 miles in the last 2 years, all road bikes, some vintage. A huge photo of the Eiffel Tower is mounted in the room where I watch the Tour de France and other bicycle races on television. Just so you know where I come from.

Road to Valor is about the true story of Gino Bartali, a two time Tour de France champion who spent the WWII years transporting documents in connection with a Catholic Church organization to save Jewish refugees from Nazi occupiers and their Fascist collaborators. This is a very well researched work and consists really of two stories. One is the story of Gino Bartali's life, including his youth, his family life, and, of course, his bicycle racing activities. The other is about Italy both during Mussolini's reign and during the post war period. Gino Bartali's 1948 Tour victory is portrayed as having helped lift Italy out of its turmoil at the time, as there were riots between Communist and non-Communist factions at those years. Anyhow, a good read for cycling and Gino Bartali fans.

Road to Valor: The True Story of World War II in Italy, the Nazis, and the Cyclist Who Inspired a Nation is written by Aili and Andre McConnon. This is the true story of a little boy who is fascinated by bikes and later racing them. He went on to win the Tour de France in 1938 and then defended his title 10 years later. It is also the story of one of Yad Vashem’s Righteous Gentiles for his heroic work on behalf of the Jews in Italy during World War II. Gino Bartili and his brother Guido grew up I rural Tuscany where once they were old enough, spent their free time racing their bicycles up and down the nearby hills. Every time, one of the Bartali won the races. Gino wanted to enter the big races; but his Father was against it for fear of his son getting hurt on the very rough roads they were racing on. Finally, he relented and the boys began playing and winning their races. Unfortunately, their Father’s fear of a tragic accident came true, although it was Guido who was killed. Gino, who felt guilty for getting Guido interested in racing, felt guilty for Gino’s death the rest of his life. Gino had the desire to win the Guio d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same time. This was not to be. He won the Tour de France in 1938 but then World War II interfered in facing. During the war, Gino did his time in the Italian Army and then went to work in a bicycle shop. One day his friend, a priest, came and asked him to join him in a resistance program. Using his need to continue practicing his racing, he took orders for false iD’s to a forger and picked up the ID’s and brought them back. He used his hollow bike to hide the papers in and used his practice time to move the papers. After the war, he used his contacts to revive the racing circuit in Italy. Once more he set his sights on the Giro and the Tour. Although his racing career was interrupted for ten years, he managed to find the fortitude to bring his racing power back and win the Tour de France in 1948. At that time, he became a hero because with the country following his race, they avoided a rebellion. In 2013, his actions during World War II were honored by Yad Vashem when they honored him with the title of Righteous Among the Nations.

He was a boy who came from a relatively poor family living in a small town near Florence. He was able to go to a school in Florence, but had to buy a bicycle for transportation. He worked and saved his money, and was finally able to buy a fourth-hand bike. It changed his life. The boy became Gino Bartali, one of the great cycling legends. In “Road to Valor: A True Story of World War II Italy, the Nazis, and the Cyclist Who Inspired a Nation,” Aili and Andres McConnon tell Bartali’s story. Actually, they tell three interlocking stories. The first is Gino Bartali the great cyclist, who won the Tour de France twice – with each win separated by a decade – a record for time in-between wins that’s still unbroken. The second is Gino Bartali the Italian resistance messenger, who at the behest of the Archbishop of Florence smuggled fake identity documents all over northern Italy, hidden in his bicycle. What he did saved the lives of hundreds of Jews. He even hid a Jewish family from the Nazis in his basement in Florence. The third is Gino Bartali, the man whose impossible victory in a Tour de France stage in the Alps helped to stop exploding violence in Italy between the Communist and Christian Democratic parties. As one observer pointed out, men who had been trying to kill each other suddenly turned their attention northward, and celebrated Bartali’s victory together. Bartali had been 21 minutes behind the Tour leader, and in one stage erased the difference. He powered on to win the 1948 Tour, despite all of sports journalists and cycling fans who considered him a “washed-up old man” at 33. The story of helping the Italian resistance and saving the lives of Jews was learned only fairly recently. Bartali, who died in 2000 at the age of 85, never talked about until late in life, when he told his oldest son some of what happened. Others, especially the Jewish families he helped to save, corroborated his story. His cycling around Tuscany, Umbria and other Italian locales could always be explained as “training.” But secreted in the tubes of his bicycle were false identity papers, to help protect Jews and also to help many escape. The McConnons tell a riveting, wonderful story. Bartali wasn’t a saint; he had his human frailties like the rest of us. But he had great courage, and he acted on that courage – to save lives, and to win an impossible race. Even if you’re not a cycling fan, “Road to Valor” is an inspiring, moving account of a terrible time in human history.

First, this book needs to updated: joining many of the persons who are mentioned in the book, Baltali was inducted into Yad Vashem's Righteous Among Nations a few days ago. Perhaps it was only his modesty and unwillingness to have his fame overshadow the efforts, and sufferings, of other less famoous people that kept this form happening sooner. Second, the Kindle edition works better than many other Kindle books, in that the illustrations are meshed into the the text just as they are in the print edition, and not placed at the end as happens in too many other Kindle books. Third, the Audible edition, though not advertised as such, syncs with the Kindle app for iPad and the Kindle edition. Many Audible ediitons too, though they are advertised as not doing so. Finally, this a great read. While it leaves out the details of some of Baratli's last great races against Fausto Coppi, the focus is on Bartali the man, someone who did live up to the ideal of a sports hero who is a good person, who values family and righteous living above all, eschews drugs (unless cigarettes and copious amounts of espresso are drugs) and while voluble, in the end has a good sense of who he is and his place in the world. I will take one Bartali against every single player in the NFL, MLB and NBA combined. He got into sports as a way out of a life of poverty, but he never forgot who he was, where he came from, and his place in the world. In this well written, quick reading book, you will read about a rare person who did his duty not only to his sport, but to humanity.

I became interested in reading Gino Bartali's story after viewing "My Italian Secret". I am not disappointed. The writing is clear, concise, understandable and informative. I am discovering facts of a boy who grew up poor and became a man of distinction and valor. I'm learning facts about cycling of which I was not aware. I am learning that Mr. Bartali was able to combine his athletics with a desire to make a difference. Throughout the reading, I do not have the impression that Mr. Bartali was looking for heroism; rather, I am impressed that a poor man with a generous nature looked toward improving the quality of his family's life and at the same time participate in a sport he loved from childhood.That he won the two Tours de France made him a hero in society; that he mindfully used his celebrity to quietly make a moral difference to a people who suffered and lost so much has made him a hero in humanitarianism. This is what I learned from "Road To Valor", a book I'm hard pressed to put down. This is not a sappy adulteration. Its authenticity and research is impressive and leaves this reader appreciative of the authors' work.

"Road to Valor" is an inspirational tale of Italian cycling legend Gino Bartali. From a small town upbringing outside of Florence to his unlikely rise as Tour de France champion in 1938, Bartali's legend is not about his victories against other riders but for his underground contributions during WWII to save lives. As WWII raged on in Europe, Bartali's best years of cycling competition were wiped away. However, instead of capturing the imagination of the public with his exploits in bike races, Bartali rode to save lives. With a plan concocted by a Roman Catholic priest, he began transporting forged documents in his bike frame between Florence and Assisi. These papers became new identities for Italian Jews, their papers for survival rather than transport to to concentration camps outside of Italy. Bartali protected those around him through these years, not disclosing his frequent absences from home to even his wife as anything more than training. By the time WWII was over and cycling competitions began anew, Bartali's best days were behind him. However, his performance in 1948 is truly astounding. As Italy teeters on the brink of civil war, Bartali shocks his fellow racers with an epic ride through the Alps in what unimaginable weather conditions. By the time he is done conquering the mountains, he wins his second Tour de France in staggering fashion. To this day he holds the distinction for longest gap between Tour victories. In today's age of diet, conditioning and nutrition, Bartali's chain-smoking, red wine drinking will undoubtedly leave modern athletes shaking their heads a bit in disbelief --- I certainly wondered how he survived to even win the 1948 Tour. Bartali remained reticent to discuss anything he did in WWII and it is a remarkable bunch of research the McConnon's do to uncover the emotional heart and soul of this story. I'm grateful for their devotion to this man and his story. The world is quite lucky to know Gino Bartali beyond just a cycling record.

I am a fan of the Tour de France and other international bike races. This book gave me a new perspective on the sport and the sorts of men who participate in the races, the nationalism and politics involved, the corrupting influences present, and why it is easy to cheat. The story centers on Gina Bartali, a two time winner of the race ten years apart. This man was a great contributor to saving the lives of Italian Jews from the German occupiers and Italian collaborators present in Italy in WW2. His talent for riding helped his imaginative efforts. This carefully researched biography shows how great athletes can also be great heroes outside their overpowering urge to always win at sports.

I read Assisi Underground, which was where I first heard of Gino Bartoli. I wanted to know his story. So I read Road To Valor. The book is superbly written. You know the outcome before you start reading it, and yet the book has you at the edge of your seat. It gives such excellent description of Italy at the time, economically and politically. And Bartoli, what a portrayal! I would recommend this for anyone who has an interest in bike racing, Italy, or WWII.

A very gripping, detailed panorama of Italy before, during and after World War II. A period when the bicycle was central to life. ". . . in 1947 there were some 3.5 million bikes on the road in Italy and just 184,000 cars." De Sirca's 1949 film "The Bicycle Thief" visually demonstrated that a steeling a bike "was not just theft; it was an act of forced isolation that stripped a man of his livelihood and exiled him from the world." The book is the story of Gino Bartali, growing up outside of Florence in a one room house with his parents, his brother and his two sisters, and, with no help from the Mussolini government, becoming a national hero as a cyclist, winning the Tour de France twice, once in 1938, age 24, and again in 1948, age 34. The War, and Italian politics, limited his career. The War, however, gave him a chance to play a significant role in helping Italian Jews escape to the South where the Allied armies were in 1943.

I found this book very interesting for two reasons, First, the very personal account of a tremendous athlete. What Gino Bartali did was amazing! Second, was the insight into what went on during pre-war, during the war, and post-war Italy. As well as a riveting personal tale, it's great history.

I’m an avid cyclist with literary penchants. I expected this to be firmly in the vein of sports biography and inspirational exaggeration. I was very happily disappointed in that respect when I began to note that the history of Bartali’s racing career is really only a pretext for his role in the larger story of Italy in the war and postwar years. If you’re after a great story of humanity and happen also to love cycling, this will be right up your alley.

This is an excellent, well researched novel about an incredible athlete and WWII upstander. I was previously unaware of Gino Bartali before I read this book and about his activities during WWII as an upstander. I highly recommenced this novel. Great for a student or anyone interested in WWII for a history class.

Why is Gino Bartali not a household name? Hollywood, take notice. Turn this man's story into a movie or TV program for the world to get to know Gino Bartali.

I was going to give this book 3 stars until I reached the brilliant chapter on the 13th stage of the 1948 Tour de France. Not only did the description of the race have me on the edge of my seat, but the preparation for the stage was riveting. The book stalls during the war years, a section one would expect to find more exciting. Plodding through is worth the time and effort to reach the pinnacle of Gino's career.

I read much praise for this book in various sports magazines after the books release this summer, and since this book manages to combine two of my favorite interests (WWII and the Tour de France) I knew immediately I had to read this. Around 75 pages into the book, I found it hard to keep focused as the authors kept focusing on the mundane minutiae of everyday life for a young boy in Italy. But I kept plodding through, hoping someone would emerge that I would form a more compelling understanding of and an attachment to. This never happened with any of the numerous characters in this book, other than Gino Bartalli, and even this relationship seemed remarkably superficial and lacking vitality. While I credit the authors with thorough research, the storytelling of this book is incredibly dull and almost every other character save Bartalli is quickly forgotten. Even Bartalli's wartime exploits are forgettable. I don't know what would possess someone to give this book a five star review, as I consider my three star review to be quite generous, but to each their own.

Imagine someone spending much of his life preparing for a career that is suddenly taken away from him, and then instead of falling into despair and depression, summons the courage and the will to use his skills to risk that life in order to save others? Made for the movies, when will someone do it? I agree with others here that the writing could be better: I especially wanted many more details about the war years. Still, a remarkable story and well worth the read.

Being a cyclist for over 40 years, I have a new respect for Bartali as a human being and Christian. Great story that should be a movie. I read it is. but in Italian. A good read.

Bartalli is one of the only sports heros ever

Dear Son the Elder is a biking enthusiast and World War II buff. This book was a Christmas gift -- he sat right down in the middle of everything and started reading. Clearly the perfect choice!

I learned a lot about Italy in WWII. It’s a great story and it’s not dramatized too much. Mostly just the facts with some suppositions. I could have used some drama on those last two stages of the tour. A little more detail about those last two stages would have been nice. I imagined it was very tough and hard and there were probably some tense moments. I like historical non-fiction about physical challenges.

I gave this to my boyfriend as a gift. He's interested in everything about both cycling and WWII, but he wasn't familiar with Gino Bartali. I didn't know about Bartali either, but had a hunch he'd like it, based on the great reviews. Well, he kept texting me as he was reading it, raving "I love this book, you have to read it", confirming the reviews. Now he's lent it to me, and I can't wait to start!

I love cycling, Italy, and history about the people -events- and background insight into why the matter. Just like "unbroken"' this book tells the story of a hero who did things out of duty and self drive. I learned a great deal about how the early days of cycling were run, characters, etc. the insight into Italian life and impacts of the war were very detailed and wonderfully written. Loved the book and highly recommend!!!

Well written, important story..page turner

As an avid cyclist, I found the book very interesting as it discusses the work it takes to win two TdF's, and also portrays who Bartoli as a person really was. Despite being a national hero, the book describes the man and not simply the hero, warts and all. The book seems well documented and researched, and the story of Bartoli between his two wins is as interesting, if not more so, than how he actually won the two big Tours.

intense and kinda sad because of the storyline, but necessary for people to know about this

Inspiring Read.

I enjoyed this book very much because I am an avid cyclist and also an avid fan of the Tour de France. This book not only had intimate details about being a professional cyclist in the 30's and 40's but also intimate details of World War 2 in Italy and all the suffering of the Italians and the Italian Jews at the hands of fascists and Hitler's armies. Great Job!

A fabulous read and well written. It was like you were there in time with Bartali. The descriptions of the poverty pre war and the deplorable destruction of Italy by the fascists and the waste of lives and property were horrendous. Bartali was not only a great champion but a great humanitarian. Many passages brought streams of tears. My mother and father and their mothers and fathers are from this era. I have read Coppi's story and his was also one of tragedies but dare I say nothing as brave or daring as Bartali. Who was the greatest? Bartali missed his greatest years during the turmoil of WW Two, but both were incredibly great cyclists. I recommend all cycling tragics to read Road to Valour.

I got this as a gift for my father in law. I had seen the documentary on Netflix & knew the book would be equally compelling. The book goes into more detail about the daring rides this courageous man took.

This is the best book I read all summer. A must read for anyone with a passion for cycling and history. This is not a training tips book or a book strictly about bike racing. It is story about a professional cyclist and his part in a group effort to aide Jews during the second world war. Our world needs more people like Gino Bartali!

It reads like nove, but it is a true story of a young bicyclist who risked his life and his families life to save Jews. He won the Tour de France twice. Very excitng easy read.

Hard to read at first but flows after that as it unfolds as you read. Very detailed recount of the risks this man was willing to take in order to do the right thing no matter the consequences

An engaging well-written story that sheds light on WW II and its aftermath from within Italy, as well as the harsh challenges of grand tour bicycle races of the era. Highly recommend.

Interesting! So glad that I read it. Recommend it highly!

A truly great read. Can't put it down.

Well written true story of Gino Bartali, winner of Le Tour and the Giro who followed his religious convictions to help the Church protect Jews from the Nazis and Italian fascists in WW II.

Fascinating book that is not about a likable person, but someone who showed true courage and determination. The sacrifices of that generation dealing with war, non-stop training, sticking by your ideals in wartime, and support of his church makes for compelling reading.

My Girlfriend told me about the book but apparently I was not listening- strange! She was listening to a a radio interview of the authors and was hooked. My friend lent me the book and boy was she surprised to see it in the house. I am an avid cyclist, Tour de France coverage die- hard, Jewish and spend a lot of time in Italy for work with both Italian and German friends and colleagues. This incredibly well written book was easy to read, follow, informational and you feel transported in time. I highly recommend this book and for its broad spectrum appeal.

Great book, loved it. Highly recommend for both passionate bicyclists & WWII history buffs.

Book arrived timely and in excellent condition. Very pleased with this purchase.

Great read and learned of WWII Italy along with more about Bartali the hero.

great true story of a cyclist and Italian patriot

I had no idea that Gino Bartali was also a war hero, a man with integrity and courage to spare. I expected to read a book solely about a bicycle racer, and I ended up learning what an amazing man he was. This is a fantastic read for all, not just bicycle racing enthusiasts.

Quite interesting little-known story.

As with most cycling fans I had never heard of Gino Bartali before a friend mentioned this book. He was a true hero to Italy and the Jewish people. A heart warming story.

Amazing what people have done and who we would not normally select as our heroes.

Outstanding!

The most any of us cyclist every new about Gino Bartali was that he won the Tour de France twice and more years apart than anyone. However, what did he do in between. He saved many Jews from certain death. This story no one seemed to know or want to know.

This was gift and they loved it. It'd inspireing story.

really enjoying the read. very well written & engaging

Truly an amazing athlete, truly now I am not sure on who was better coppi or bartali, but truly a hero for his wartime exploits

Tremendous story of moral and personal strength during world wide strife and fear for one's life and family!I'll. I have told all friends and family about this book and the movie. My Italian Secret. I am enriched for this story.

Interesting biography of Gino Bartali, two time Tour de France victor. The book combines sports and the issues brought on by WWII along with Gino's involvement in both topics. I read this book while on vacation in Italy, coincidentally seeing some of the same locations that were talked about in the book. Good read!

My sister loves

This is a well written, well researched biography of a true champion often overlooked in the annals of bike racing. Delves into Bartali the man not just the racer. If the reader is wanting a focus on the races and racers of the immediate pre and post WWII era they would be better suited to look elsewhere, if you want an insight into the making of a true champion, read this book!

The racing part of the story of this cycling great is alone worth the purchase. The rest of this story and his involvement with saving those who were being hunted for extermination reveals a true hero. I want to go to those places he lived and rode and ride there myself!

Having seen part of a documentary similar to this book, I was eager to read this story. However, the small font and wide margins made it difficult for me to read. I read nearly half of the text but was too laborious for me. The 3 stars is based on publishing rather than content.

Great book! The detail and research were outstanding. I look forward to reading more about this era of cycling. Steve

There are stories of the hero’s of WWII that inspire, amaze and make us feel so grateful and so humble. It was an honor to read this book.

INCREDIBILE! I only wish I could have known about this book when it first became available! Thank you Dan Della Santina!

Excellent bio of a sports figure within an intriguing historical-political context. Reads like a suspense novel, but it’s true.

This is a gift for my son who likes to read and is an avid cyclist

this is a great read and does a good job of weaving a story of cycling and WWII history: not your typical combo. cycling is about the strength of an individual's will and this book does a good job of laying that out there for the reader.

A remarkable story of a remarkable man's life. Glad I took the time to learn a little bit about Gino.

It is good to read about a cyclist who trained hard, won major races, and also contributed to the cause of helping victims of Hitler and Mussolini's Fascism. Major themes show how athletes were used by totalitarian leaders to validate their own weaknesses and exploit their citizens' need for "real" heroes. Decisions to race in the Giro d'Italia or the Tour de France were made by Fascist leaders with no consideration for the participant. Batali's training rides were used to smuggle forged documents to help Jews hiding from Fascists. He did this knowing that he put himself and his family in serious danger by the Fascists. That his victory in the Tour de France helped to refocus the attention of the Italian population away from The political upheaval caused by the assassination attempt of Togliatti, to his spectacular rides in the mountain passes of the Tour, speaks to our need for national heroes. Bartali was not just a great athlete he was a great man.

This is a fascinating , but true, story of a two-time Tour de France champion who used his cycling skills to aid hidden Jews during WWII.

This is an excellent book and superb review of the events in Italy during WWII.

Excellent book.

I love everything about cycling, so enjoying a book about a Tour de France champing who uses his bicycle to save the lives of jews during WWII is no surprise. But the book should be inspiring to anyone. It's a beautiful story courage, determination and sympathy. It also shows very realistically all the hardship that people had to go through during WWII.

Excellent book on a person who is little known outside of Italy. I learned a lot about the origins of tour de france, fascism, and of the human spirit. this book is not just for sport fans, it is truly more a history book.

A very interesting story about the war and a bicycle riders tale of life during that period. He certainly was a hero in the true sense.

Fantastic story told with little charm or imagination

Great story about Gino Bartali. It is a mix of history and bike racing, well told.

Very good read much better than most bike books.

I really enjoyed this book. The story was interesting & well written. It held my interest & I looked forward to listening everyday. I would definitely recommend it.

Not being a cyclist, I found the story interesting re: the political background and the ins and outs of the professional cycling world. But the presentation, because it was third person, felt more factual than emotional.

A good read for cyclists and non-cyclists. Interesting history. Non-fiction. Well-researched. The epilogue added to the story. Several chapters are full of history, daring, risk, danger, but nothing about bicycle racing (during the war). There is a good lesson in humility here too.

The book is about Gino Bartali and his cycling career; focussing on heroic work for the underground to help the Jews in Italy. It was a page turner from start to finish. Anybody interested in cycling, a slice of Italian history of the 30's and 40's, or of the resistence of facism and the extermination of Jews will find this book an interesting read. One of my favorite cycling books although you don't have to be into cycling to enjoy this one; a real human interest read.

The Road to Valor is a must reading to understand the mood in Italy during WWII. The story depicts how the Italians did their best to protect the Jews. A must read.

An amazing story about an amazing man. If you like a good story, and are interested in amzing athletic feats, than this belongs in your library

Fascinating historical revelations of both cycling and an amazing rider and very decent human being.

I loved the story of this very real man who had failings and flaws but so much gallantry and respect for mankind. I am glad I read it and have recommended it to others. Would that we all could be like this man.

True story; thick hardcover; decent price. This book will be enjoyed by my spouse who has been an athlete all her life - including a cyclist. Would recommend the book.

So many books on cycling are written too soon. A social history as much as a story of cycling and a very brave person. Well written, and provides a balanced account of where Bartali (and Coppi, and Italy) sit in the history of cycling. Bartali was extraordinary by any standards, but me, I'm still a Coppi man.

The best book I've read all year. I didn't know much about Italy during the war but this puts it into perspective with a very human touch.

Good read. It's not all about the bike. If you're interested in WW2 history and cycling, it's a must read.

This was an enjoyable read, that was well researched. It was not too much of a surprise to learn at the end of the book that the authors had both studied history at Princeton. While the history and the racing career of Bartali is interesting, the underlying themes of his bravery in the face of Nazism and its antisemitism along with the Fascism in that era, make modern cycling's disgraced heroes seem small in comparison. Bartali was a true champion of both cycling and man.

This biography of Gino Bartali tells the largely unknown story of the great Italian cyclist. Many readers will find this an interesting story whether they are cyclists themselves or not. In fact my biggest disappointment as a cyclist was the lack of much description of the racing action. Otherwise it is an engaging story about a great cyclist and great man.

Excellent reading and gained much knowlege of Italy's history...good author

Geno Bartoli before WW II was winning everything in sight. But it wasn't his time because WW II started right as he was peaking. The stinking Fascist government of Italy with Mussolini in charge and then the invasion of the NAZI's put the Italians of honor on the spot. And they responded with honor. After Italy was freed by the Allied invasion and eventually Hitler was defeated things eventually settled down to normal. But this was a decade after Bartoli's peak and so he fought on the race courses of Europe tooth and nail with Fausto Coppi. Whenever you read of remembrances of Fausto you should remember the more important things that Bartoli accomplished that are outlined here.

If I were teaching history again, I'd make this required reading. A remarkable story of a remarkable athlete. Move over Lance, for a real road racing hero.

My dad raced with this great guy, and I was honored to have a fellow Italian do so much for so many people, saving lives at his own peril. This book is a must read, and would highly recommend it.

Fabulous true story. Sad Gino museum in Ponte d Ema in disrepair and cemetery closed/locked when we visited on 9/21 afternoon.

Great Story movie on Netflix I think

Bought this for my husband as vacation read. Book came very quickly and he is eager to read since he is a cyclist and didn't know about this true World War II story.

Great story & I learned about life in Italy under Mussolini. My husband is reading it now & is thoroughly enjoying it.

I love historical novels and or biographies. I found this story to be most interesting and compelling. Anyone interested in the history of WWII will appreciate this book.

Did not realize the Nazi impact on Italian life during WWII. Good read.

I learned a lot about a tenacious bike racer's life, the history of the Tour de France, and WW2's impact on Italy

Even if you aren't a cyclist, you can't but love this true story of a humble brave man. Viva Gino

I read it, couldnt put it down - then passed it to my grandson- he felt the same! So glad to pass along an amazing story in history. shouldnt be missed.

Excellent book I could not put down! Really refreshing to read about someone who does what is right and doesn't capitalize on it!

I enjoyed this moving story of before, during and after the war in Italy. The story is well researched and very readable. I gave it 5 stars.

Good story.

A hero and great cyclist. Gino Bartali was a great man who put great effort into doing good, McConnon captures his epic life.

This is an excellent read and is historially accurate.

was a wonderful book to read. enjoyed it completely.

I enjoy biking and liked the story of Gino and his athletic accomplishments, but the heart of this story is his using his reputation as a biker to help save Jewish lives during WWII.

If you like history, biography, and cycling .... you can't go wrong with this one. But, don't expect a story or narrative like 'Unbroken'. It is fairly well written, but not gripping.

Fascinating and inspirational tail that documents the mirroring of Gino Bartali's career with Italy's national turmoil. Great book for both the historian and cycling fan. Well written, great depth.

This is an excellent book. It is a true page-turner but it is also so elegantly written and incredibly well-researched. I was not only carried along by the story, but I was totally engrossed by the period of history that the authors tackle, all through the lens of this single extraordinary man. Certainly, cyclists in particular would like this book, but I would also totally recommend it to non-cyclists (such as myself) as well; it is just so engrossing, a terrific read, and an eminently satisfying book. Perfect gift book.

Great look at the tour de France as well as Italy during ww2. you really feel for the ordinary people in Italy.

Excellent reading. A story I was never aware of. Highly recommend.

Great Story. Highly recommend this book.

If you have been interested in cycling as a certain doper inspired many of us to be, and you also are interested in history, you will really enjoy this!

A very well researched and told story. Less about the cycling and more about the man and the times. Recommend.

An outstanding book for a cyclist that also likes history.

This book continues to do well, it's even been translated into Italian. As a long time student of the era of Bartali and Coppi, I've read dozens of biographies (in Italian) and accounts of racing in the '40's, 50's and early 60's in Europe. I find this book to be a bit confusing. While it's very well researched, the authors in my opinion weren't able to construct the book in such a way that a knowledgeable reader can follow the story line. I also found there to be a rather generous amount of the author's personal views regarding Italian society. Views that I frequently didn't think really very opportune or necessary to the book

Great read!

This is an amazing story. If you have made it this far, buy it and read it. I recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest is history and cycling.

I just received this and it looks like a really good book, especially for a bicyclist, which is who I purchased it for. While the inside pages are fine, the cover was printed 1/4-inch off so there is 1/4-inch of white space along the front right side which should be part of the cover photo. This renders the spine at half what should be the front cover and 1/2 what it should be. It's very shoddy. (The cover designer would be mortified; the printer/publisher/distributor should be embarrassed -- it shouldn't have left the factory.) And while I appreciate Amazon's exchange policy, I don't have time to exchange it in time for the gifting event. OK, that's on me, but I almost never have problems with my Amazon orders and wasn't prepared. No worries. I will apologize for all of you when I present the gift to my brother-in-law. Regards, A former brand manager.

Greatly enjoyed this book -- God bless the Italians. There may have been a Fascist government during the war, but my goodness there were many courageous opponents to it...

Riveting account of a man who was determined to be the best he could be, not only as a cyclist but as a compassionate human being. The book gives the reader a fascinating look at how many Italians dealt with fascism in their homeland during World War II

Interesting read about an unsung hero.

Fantastic read a must for all those people who enjoy cycling!

Fabulous ... A must read for anyone interested in cycling legends, interested in WW II history, the work of resistance fighters against the Nazis, and for those looking for a true definition of heroism.

Great book!

As books about/having to do with cycling, this is one of the better one's I've read. Had the entire book been as cycling and Gino focused as the first half of the book, it would have easily been 4 stars, About mid-way through there was a lot of historical "filler" that had little to do with cycling or Gino. The story kept coming back to cycling and Gino, but the departures from both were a mildly irritating. I would still place it at the top of required reading for all cyclist.

I must read for cyclists. Also a great read for anyone who loves Italy, history, or just a really good story. an inspirational story with a great protagonist. assiduously researched and beautifully written.. I really enjoyed this book.

Really enjoyed the book and would recommend to anyone interested in cycling or world war 2 in Italy.

A must read for cycling friends who also like history!

wonderful book about an amazing man!!!!

The book is a fascinating look at the beginnings of the Tour de France and competitive cycling. The book is hard to put down.

Great story great man

Interesting meld of history, politics, and the Tour. Amazing story, especially if you love cycling.

The writing is clear, to the point and made it a joy to read. I loved the attention to historic detail especially how portant bikes were at that time. Thanks. I can't wait to see the movie.

an excellent read, Gino Bartalli is a true hero and his story is written in a very engaging and compelling way.

Beautiful story, needs to be told/shared. Book is a quick read but worth our attention.

A very inspirational story about cycling, politics, war, and humanity.

A must read book by anyone who is interested in people who change the world!

I'm enjoying reading this book, written in a plain prose, no frills, narrating a true story of a local hero who happened to be also one of the greatest cyclists of all times.

Golden times of cycling. Surrounded by the dark WWII period.

outstanding book. would make a great movie!

Great read!

Great inspiring story of passion and commitment. I suggest this story to anyone who likes cycling history. Intriguing story of a hero.

IT WAS VERY INTERESTING AND GOOD HISTORY. THE AUTHOR SEEMED TO DO A LOT OF RESEARCH FOR THE BOOK. WELL WRITTEN

Very good story, I wish more of the WW III story would have been told. I enjoyed the bicycle racing stories.

Excellent book that tells an important and inspirational story.

excellent story. Easy and interesting read.

It was interesting, but not particularly riveting

An interesting story about an otherwise little known person(unless you are an avid cyclist) and his role during WW2 protecting refugees from the Nazis and Fascists in Italy

Don't have a Kindle....need to cancel...wanted the book.

The author really doesn't understand cycling. The book isn't very well written. I tried, but wasn't able to get more than a few chapters into the book before giving up.

I didn't finish the book. The book drew my attention because of what the cyclist did to help Jews in Italy during WWII. That part of the story was rather short, without a lot of detail.

An interesting read, especially the war years. I had never heard of the partisan efforts described in the pages of this book.

Great book ! Well done

A few thoughts after finishing this book today: The authors' anti-American bias and sympathetic treatment of Communism: The authors are Canadian, and it shows. They express horror that in the early days of the Cold War, the new Central Intelligence Agency actually committed the crime of (gasp!) financially supporting non-Communist political parties in Italy. They find this horrendous, an awful affront to their tender liberal sensibilities. Are the authors even remotely aware of what the Soviet Union's KGB was doing at the same time, worldwide- before they begin casting stones at the Yanks who saved Italy from Communist domination? They turn their noses up in righteous liberal indignation that the Americans would dare to attempt to fight back against Soviet expansionism. They need to look at a map of Europe in 1948 and view things in that context, not one of today. Another kiss blown at Communism by the authors: they ridicule the suggestion of the non-Communist parties in Italy that if the Communists came to power there, they might oppress and/or commit atrocities against Christians, Catholics, the clergy, etc...the authors, being the fine liberal Ivy League types they are, find this an occasion for ridicule and scorn- we are supposed to laugh at the the silly local yokels crying wolf; why would Communists ever persecute Christians? Clearly these authors are unaware of Communist atrocities against the clergy and anyone religious during the Spanish Civil War less than a decade before. The authors mock fears of brutal realities that had taken place as if they were far-fetched, hypothetical fantasies....once again, they pass judgement while ignoring the context of the story. Virtually every mention or depiction of Communism or Communists in this book is sympathetic. Have these authors, in between their CNN appearances, and the brother's powdering his face with rouge (as seen on the dust jacket) heard of Josef Stalin, his goals and crimes? They can't find a word to condemn Soviet or Italian Communist atrocities, but we are supposed to be outraged at the very idea that the CIA supported non-Communist parties in Italy in a crucial election for the future of Europe, even while the KGB pumped millions into swaying the election in favor of the Italian Communist Party. Again, the authors ignore the historical context of the story. Next, treatment of Christianity/ Catholicism in the book: This is a true story and the main character, Gino Bartali, was a devout Catholic- yet almost every mention of Catholicism in the book is disrespectful, ridiculing, minimizing or poking fun at Catholics and the Catholic church....even as the authors they bend over backwards to portray Communism and Communists in a flattering, sympathetic light. Despicable. Lastly, any/ all reference to all things military in this book are handled stupidly. The authors needed to have someone with at least a nodding acquaintance with the military look it over, because their sloppy mistakes are embarrasing- tanks in WW Two are referred to as "artillery," and we learn of American bombers out on "bombing expeditions." This is why Ivy League liberals (Canadian, no less) should not be writing history. The authors' petty bias and sloppy mistakes are a shame because Bartali's story is very inspiring, but the authors' fawning treatment of Communism, ridicule of Catholics when the central figure was a devout Catholic who was motivated by his faith to save Jews- and mind-numbing mistakes when discussing all things military in WW Two spoil it. And as to the title- what part of the book mentions "the Nazis?" there are a few brief references to Hitler, but the editors should have chosen a title that...wait for it...actually reflected the contents of the book.

I had not heard of Gino Bartali before reading this book, I do not follow the Tour de France and know very little about the sport. I read this because I always enjoy books about WWII and I really enjoyed this one. I usually read historical fiction and was concerned that this book might be a boring but Bartali is a larger than life character that was so fascinating to read about that I was not bored once through the entire book. The authors do a great job of beginning the story with Bartali's struggles in his early years and really showing his passion for bicycles. They also wrote about the importance of bicycles in Italy during this time in general and how many of the population used them for their main form of transportation. I love reading books about Italy and this book gave me a whole new look at the country. I usually read about the countryside and the food, in this one I read about the poor neighborhoods and what bicycle races meant to so many people in the country. The actual races that are discussed were fun to read about. I had no idea that the races were as long and dangerous as they were described in the book, it made for an exciting read. I have so much more appreciation for the strength and endurance of the racers in this sport. There is lots of information about the politics in Italy during this time. Since I do read a lot of WWII books I did know some of the things talked about but I got a much more in depth idea of the different political problems facing the country. Mussolini is discussed often, he would hinder Bartali a few times in his quest for winning races. The parts about Italy during the war are at times heartbreaking, the people suffered to much. It was really inspiring to see men like Bartali risk their lives to help others that had little hope. The heart of this story is of course, Gino Bartali. I must admit that I am now a huge fan after reading this book. He was a good man- a determined athlete, a war hero, devoted husband and father, and faithful to his religion. I loved reading about him and think that anyone who likes a good story about a great athlete and man would love to read Road to Valor.

"Everyone in their life has his own particular way of expressing life's purpose - the lawyer his eloquence, the painter his palette, and the man of letters his pen from which the quick words of his story flow. I have my bicycle." -- Gino Bartali It might be difficult to imagine a time before cars and airplanes made travel quick and easy, but in the earlier part of the century the bicycle was about the best many could hope for. It not only enabled them to go from place to place quickly but sometimes became necessary if you wanted a job. And with the rise of bicycles in Europe came cycling clubs and eventually races. One dominant Italian racer in the 1930s was Gino Bartali, whose incredible endurance on mountain slopes made him a formidable opponent and led to a 1938 victory in the Tour de France. But his racing career sputtered to an halt when war came, and he was put to use delivering messages on his bicycle... and later secretly transporting forged documents for Jewish families hiding from the police. That continued "training" helped when he later won the Tour de France again in 1948 at a time when he was thought "too old" (at 34!) and when his country was rocked by an assassination attempt and riots, and Bartali continues to hold the record for the most years between Tour victories. Fans of Laura Hillenbrand's