Magic Spanner

SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2020

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LIMITED TIME OFFER

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Magic Spanner

By: Carlton Kirby, Robbie Broughton

Narrated by: Carlton Kirby

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£5.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST. Cancel monthly.

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Bloomsbury presents Magic Spanner written and read by Carlton Kirby.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2020 – CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR

'A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times' – Ian Cleverly, Rouleur

'Carlton Kirby is no ordinary cycling commentator, so it is not surprising that this very entertaining book is no ordinary Grand Tour on a bicycle. A very enjoyable journey for everyone' – Phil Liggett MBE, NBC Tour de France commentator

'Carlton Kirby's infectious enthusiasm, wine tips and Shakespearean joy for inventing words makes every stage of a bike race a must-watch event' – Matt Butler, i newspaper

Prepare to be entertained as legendary Eurosport cycling commentator Carlton Kirby shares his tales from the road, taking you behind the scenes of the world's greatest cycle races.

With a candid authority that comes from over 25 years commentating on the world's biggest cycling races, legendary Eurosport commentator Carlton Kirby isn't afraid to tell it like it really is. Witty, outrageous and often outspoken, Magic Spanner is an insider's view of life on cycling's Grand Tours, including the Tour de France, Giro D'Italia, Vuelta a España and the classics, all delivered in the inimitable style for which Carlton has become globally famous.

Peppered with hilarious anecdotes of life on the road with Tour legend Sean Kelly, Carlton gives us an expert, behind-the-scenes view – one that the average fan rarely gets to see or hear about. As well as sharing his various bugbears (including crazy spectators in mankinis to the more serious issues of rider safety), Carlton also lifts the lid on team strategies, and delves into some of cycling's more questionable ethics.

Delivering a mix of expert opinion and trademark wit, Carlton covers the funny, the serious and the more bizarre moments on the professional cycling caravan. This edition also includes Carlton's guide to watching bike racing – live at the roadside.

Carlton KirbyRobbie BroughtonCarlton KirbyBloomsbury Sport

Cycling

Sports

Funny

Witty

Inspiring

Thought-Provoking

Cycling Sports Funny Witty Inspiring Thought-Provoking

Critic reviews

Carlton is never lost for words, whether commentating or writing. A genuine one-off with a ready wit and a killer anecdote to hand at all times (Ian Cleverly)

Carlton Kirby is no ordinary cycling commentator, so it is not surprising that this very entertaining book is no ordinary Grand Tour on a bicycle. A very enjoyable journey for everyone (Phil Liggett MBE, NBC Tour de France commentator)

Carlton Kirby's infectious enthusiasm, wine tips and Shakespearean joy for inventing words makes every stage of a bike race a must-watch event (Matt Butler)

Carlton's commentary never fails to bring a bike race to life, he has to be the Dalai Lama of all TV commentators (Mick Bennett, Tour of Britain Race Director)

There's never a dull moment working with Carlton... I do try to keep him under control (Joanna Rowsell-Shand MBE, Double Olympic Team Pursuit Gold Medallist and multiple World Champion)

Kirby pulls back the curtain to reveal behind-the-scenes antics from cycling's Grand Tours, laying bare the hilarious, leftfield and downright bizarre moments that covering the sport brings.

Carlton's style often borders on controlled madness... sometimes without the control (Brian Smith - commentator, team manager and British Road Race Champion 1991 & 1994)

I've heard all these stories before, but it was great to read them in silence... (Dan Lloyd, GCN presenter and winner of the 2008 Vuelta Extremadura)

Get that bloody [Carlton] Kirby down here – I’d like to give him a good slap (Mark Cavendish)

[Carlton Kirby] You make it sound like I’m not paying attention (Chris Froome)

Most relevant

I love Carlton Kirby commentating. He adds colour, history, humour, an obvious deep and abiding love for the sport of cycling, respect for its practitioners, and sheer humanity to the business of talking endlessly while we watch skinny lycra-clad people peddle their bicycles for hours on end. Buy the book. You'll thoroughly enjoy his ramblings - listen to the audio book, if you can, for the full effect.