Magic Spanner
The World of Cycling According to Carlton Kirby
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Magic Spanner
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Narrated by:
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Carlton Kirby
About this listen
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
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.
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What listeners say about Magic Spanner
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- P. J. H.
- 29-09-20
The World of Carlton
As Carlton says, you may love his work, you may tolerate his work, you may hate is work. That is who he is. I guarantee, though, that whatever you think of his commentary this book will have you laughing. Insightful, honest and hilarious I hope we get more from him in the future. Carlton, you truly are a Magic Spanner and we are grateful for your assist in make cycling even more fun.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 30-10-19
Love it.
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.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- GJ
- 20-05-20
Superb
Well I would say that being a cycling and Carlton Kirby fan, but this book was informative and funny. Lots of amusing anecdotes and some outrageous laugh out loud moments. Read as only Carlton can, this was an absolute pleasure to listen to
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Phil Wilkinson
- 02-07-20
Hilarious and insightful
Carlton Kirby delivers an excellent and at times very funny look into his life as a cycling commentator. Lighthearted and fun it's well worth a listen!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 13-01-20
Carlton being Carlton
A right good yarn delivered in Carlton's inimitable style. Thoroughly engaging yet easy to listen to.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Paul Clough
- 28-10-20
Incredibly entertaining and funny insight
I’ve loved cycling most of my adult life, I’ve followed it around Europe as a kid. I’ve bumped into Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and David Duffield around the start and finish area’s of nondescript towns in France. These were the voices of cycling to me. Now, as a 40 something, Carlton is the voice of the sport I love. Along with the other commentators on GCN and Eurosport of course. This book is a fantastic and hilarious insight into what goes into making the cycling commentary really come alive. His accents are quite remarkable too. I love to hear him taking on King Kelly!
This really is the most entertaining book I’ve listened to on Audible.
Chapeau Carlton, and thank you.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- AndyCr15
- 24-06-24
Entertaining Read
A great listen. Carlton has a way with words and many a great story to tell.
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- Mr Y.
- 01-03-20
Excellent and funny from the master cycling commentator
Hilarious deep dive into the world of competitive cycling and all the paraphernalia around it. Loved every minute 👍🏻😊
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1 person found this helpful
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- Jonoman32
- 16-09-20
great commentator
it's just like listening to a full day on the tour, lots of topics, lots of Carlton, nice insights, good listen!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Phil W
- 19-09-20
Excellent.
Essential read for anyone either obsessed or just mildly interested in the world of cycling.
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