Cycling / Competition / Paris-Brest / Lesna - Lot 64

Cycling / Competition / Paris-Brest / Lesna Illustrated brochure “Paris-Brest-Paris, at Full Speed,” 1901 Portraits of the leading riders who participated in the race, along with their impressions and accounts from support staff and coaches. Published by M. Velay, with an introduction by Desgrange, 32 pages 18 x 26 cm (missing: back cover, title page insert; minor creases and tears) An exceptional small Italian-style booklet, with a cover by the artist Henri BELLEREY DESFONTAINES (1867–1909). A firsthand account of the 2nd edition of the “Race of the Century,” as if you were there: featuring “numerous engravings produced by photography” and portraits of the leading riders along with their impressions (Lesna, Aucouturier, Miller, Muller, Rosière). Includes both rankings, 18 speed champions, and 77 touring cyclists. An epic precursor to the Tour, which lives on thanks to cycling tourists.