We, convicts of the Tour de France is a beautiful book, written by Jean-Paul Rey and illustrated by Al Coutelis. to offer – or to treat yourself – for Christmas for example. The reference to road convicts, a term dear to – our late colleague – Albert Londres, a great reporter and writer by trade, sounds obvious. An obvious fact that the text by Jean-Paul Rey and the drawings by Al Coutelis highlight, lasting 104 pages. The investment is €29.90!
There was the heroic era of the first years of cycling, on “road” and its host of anecdotes (more or less fictionalized). The roads still looked like paths… In 1891, the first Bordeaux – Paris, then the first Paris – Brest – Paris left their mark. Twelve years later, the Tour de France started… Six endless stages and the intransigence of the Race Director, Henri Desgrange, whose only goal was to sell his newspaper, The Car. There were heroes, such as Maurice Garin… There was, in 1924, the abandonment of the Pélissier brothers, at the Café de la Gare de Coutance. The pen of Albert Londres gave birth to Les Convicts de la route…
Behind each runner there is a man, under each jersey beats a heart. Inspired by the strong and true drawings of Al Coutelis, I set out to discover these men, I sought to hear the beat of their hearts. These riders were among those who set out to conquer the first Tour de France. They were carried by an unshakeable faith.
Jean-Paul Rey (The author)
A story full of life
The anecdotes are numerous. They follow one another and cross the ages, bringing back to life little-known, unknown, forgotten champions. There is the character of Antonin “ the dreamer of the Mas”, which is fictional, but everything else is real. Of course, racing events are sometimes seemingly absurd, but they are very real.
The line of Al Coutelis adds relief to the story. Like the greatest classified growths, it improves over the years. The faces express the expression of effort. Some are on the verge of breaking up. “ I believe in myself, my God! »
A design combining finesse, strength and dexterity
The designer, virtuoso of the brush and gouache (of the guitar, too, sometimes) knows what it's all about, he who every day offers HIS bike ride, on the roads at the foot of Ventoux… With a stroke of the pedal of unparalleled finesse, full of dexterity. There is strength and finesse, like in his drawings!
The preface is by Gérard Holtz, the true stories are by Jean-Paul Rey and the illustrations by Al Coutelis. Published by Le Troisième Homme, the 104-page album adopts an Italian format, measuring 29.7 cm x 21 cm (the classic A4, in short) and costs €29.90!
