Robert Millar book

pumpkincp · June 2007

The English cheering for the Scots isn't a joke, Mr Blackwell, once upon a time it used to happen. You may even be able to find clips of it online. Probably in black and white. Presented by Dickie Davies.

Nowadays, however, that has all changed (just ask Andy Murray), and personally I blame the dour presbyterian porridge munchers. Why can't they just lose that chip from off their shoulder (they could eat it - it's unhealthy enough) and start supporting their neighbours in a mature modern manner, just as Argentinians do with Brazil at football, or New Zealanders with Australia at cricket, or Canadians with the US ice-hockey team. That nice Mr Gordon Brown has shown them the way, and he means what he says, he really does.

Quite what all this has to do with two of the greatest cyclists Britain has ever produced though, I really don't know.

pictit · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pumpkin

The English cheering for the Scots isn't a joke, Mr Blackwell, once upon a time it used to happen. You may even be able to find clips of it online. Probably in black and white. Presented by Dickie Davies.

Nowadays, however, that has all changed (just ask Andy Murray), and personally I blame the dour presbyterian porridge munchers. Why can't they just lose that chip from off their shoulder (they could eat it - it's unhealthy enough) and start supporting their neighbours in a mature modern manner, just as Argentinians do with Brazil at football, or New Zealanders with Australia at cricket, or Canadians with the US ice-hockey team. That nice Mr Gordon Brown has shown them the way, and he means what he says, he really does.

Quite what all this has to do with two of the greatest cyclists Britain has ever produced though, I really don't know.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

[:)][:)][:p]

Unknown · June 2007

A review of the book has been written by David Millar in today's Scotsman.
http://sport.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=862582007

www.braveheartfund.com

top_bhoy · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by K Blackwell

Andy - Without a doubt Millar was Britain's best stage race rider and I have the DVD's of his successes. But the comment was that Millar was Britain's best ever cyclist; and by a long way.

Overall, in my opinion, and by other judges, Simpson was rated higher.

Of course some take it as a personal attack on their hero, like the Scot calling me a moron. Well, he should read the record books.

Or is wrong to voice an alternative opinion? Obviously not.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I think you have valid reasons and its not worth getting into a big argument over - both were class cyclists and people have their favourites. It may not have been the intention, but I just thought that the Telegraph comments didn't read well and were tending towards being derogatory towards RM.

This is my new bike:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p66/ ... ure001.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p66/ ... ure002.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p66/ ... ure003.jpg

d.dourday · June 2007

I think he willl be found when it is profitable for him.

dourdaydavide

Noodley · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by d.dourday

I think he willl be found when it is profitable for him.

dourdaydavide
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

very unlikely.

K Blackwell · June 2007

I think David Millar's comments are very articulate and help to capture the spirit of the Robert Millar as others see him, i.e., a huge talent, but so much his own man and his own counsel to the point that he never quite got what his talent deserved.

Definitely an enigmatic figure.

K Blackwell · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pumpkin

The English cheering for the Scots isn't a joke, Mr Blackwell, once upon a time it used to happen. You may even be able to find clips of it online. Probably in black and white. Presented by Dickie Davies.

Nowadays, however, that has all changed (just ask Andy Murray), and personally I blame the dour presbyterian porridge munchers. Why can't they just lose that chip from off their shoulder (they could eat it - it's unhealthy enough) and start supporting their neighbours in a mature modern manner, just as Argentinians do with Brazil at football, or New Zealanders with Australia at cricket, or Canadians with the US ice-hockey team. That nice Mr Gordon Brown has shown them the way, and he means what he says, he really does.

Quite what all this has to do with two of the greatest cyclists Britain has ever produced though, I really don't know.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The only thing missing is the irony button. Well aware of the Andy Murray thing. He made the classic mistake of voicing what every true Scotsman thinks, i.e., that you always cheer for whoever's playing against the fu@cin' English.[:0]

Unknown · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by K Blackwell

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pumpkin

The English cheering for the Scots isn't a joke, Mr Blackwell, once upon a time it used to happen. You may even be able to find clips of it online. Probably in black and white. Presented by Dickie Davies.

Nowadays, however, that has all changed (just ask Andy Murray), and personally I blame the dour presbyterian porridge munchers. Why can't they just lose that chip from off their shoulder (they could eat it - it's unhealthy enough) and start supporting their neighbours in a mature modern manner, just as Argentinians do with Brazil at football, or New Zealanders with Australia at cricket, or Canadians with the US ice-hockey team. That nice Mr Gordon Brown has shown them the way, and he means what he says, he really does.

Quite what all this has to do with two of the greatest cyclists Britain has ever produced though, I really don't know.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The only thing missing is the irony button. Well aware of the Andy Murray thing. He made the classic mistake of voicing what every true Scotsman thinks, i.e., that you always cheer for whoever's playing against the fu@cin' English.[:0]

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

only in football [8D]

www.braveheartfund.com

suspectdevice · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by BrianS

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by K Blackwell

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pumpkin

The English cheering for the Scots isn't a joke, Mr Blackwell, once upon a time it used to happen. You may even be able to find clips of it online. Probably in black and white. Presented by Dickie Davies.

Nowadays, however, that has all changed (just ask Andy Murray), and personally I blame the dour presbyterian porridge munchers. Why can't they just lose that chip from off their shoulder (they could eat it - it's unhealthy enough) and start supporting their neighbours in a mature modern manner, just as Argentinians do with Brazil at football, or New Zealanders with Australia at cricket, or Canadians with the US ice-hockey team. That nice Mr Gordon Brown has shown them the way, and he means what he says, he really does.

Quite what all this has to do with two of the greatest cyclists Britain has ever produced though, I really don't know.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The only thing missing is the irony button. Well aware of the Andy Murray thing. He made the classic mistake of voicing what every true Scotsman thinks, i.e., that you always cheer for whoever's playing against the fu@cin' English.[:0]

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

only in football [8D]

www.braveheartfund.com

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

And Rugby........

pumpkincp · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by suspectdevice

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by BrianS

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by K Blackwell

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pumpkin

The English cheering for the Scots isn't a joke, Mr Blackwell, once upon a time it used to happen. You may even be able to find clips of it online. Probably in black and white. Presented by Dickie Davies.

Nowadays, however, that has all changed (just ask Andy Murray), and personally I blame the dour presbyterian porridge munchers. Why can't they just lose that chip from off their shoulder (they could eat it - it's unhealthy enough) and start supporting their neighbours in a mature modern manner, just as Argentinians do with Brazil at football, or New Zealanders with Australia at cricket, or Canadians with the US ice-hockey team. That nice Mr Gordon Brown has shown them the way, and he means what he says, he really does.

Quite what all this has to do with two of the greatest cyclists Britain has ever produced though, I really don't know.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The only thing missing is the irony button. Well aware of the Andy Murray thing. He made the classic mistake of voicing what every true Scotsman thinks, i.e., that you always cheer for whoever's playing against the fu@cin' English.[:0]

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

only in football [8D]

www.braveheartfund.com

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

And Rugby........
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

....personally I never could stand the English ping pong team...

sing_for_absolution · June 2007

Has anyone bought or ordered the book today? Just wondered.

tea is good

Unknown · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by sing_for_absolution

Has anyone bought or ordered the book today? Just wondered.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

It's been available for a while now. I've nearly finished reading it now. Review when I'm done.

It'll be positive though.

[:)]

sing_for_absolution · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by iainf72

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by sing_for_absolution

Has anyone bought or ordered the book today? Just wondered.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

It's been available for a while now. I've nearly finished reading it now. Review when I'm done.

It'll be positive though.

[:)]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

It has? I only looked at when it's released on Amazon. Doh! [:I]

tea is good

msb123 · June 2007

The only thing missing is the irony button. Well aware of the Andy Murray thing. He made the classic mistake of voicing what every true Scotsman thinks, i.e., that you always cheer for whoever's playing against the fu@cin' English.

which is why we all love to see the pathetic scots lose at every sport there is.[:D]

pumpkincp · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by msb123

The only thing missing is the irony button. Well aware of the Andy Murray thing. He made the classic mistake of voicing what every true Scotsman thinks, i.e., that you always cheer for whoever's playing against the fu@cin' English.

which is why we all love to see the pathetic scots lose at every sport there is.[:D]

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Which is as it should be msb. Chapeau.

I'm so glad we had this little talk.

Unknown · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by K Blackwell

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pumpkin

The English cheering for the Scots isn't a joke, Mr Blackwell, once upon a time it used to happen. You may even be able to find clips of it online. Probably in black and white. Presented by Dickie Davies.

Nowadays, however, that has all changed (just ask Andy Murray), and personally I blame the dour presbyterian porridge munchers. Why can't they just lose that chip from off their shoulder (they could eat it - it's unhealthy enough) and start supporting their neighbours in a mature modern manner, just as Argentinians do with Brazil at football, or New Zealanders with Australia at cricket, or Canadians with the US ice-hockey team. That nice Mr Gordon Brown has shown them the way, and he means what he says, he really does.

Quite what all this has to do with two of the greatest cyclists Britain has ever produced though, I really don't know.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The only thing missing is the irony button. Well aware of the Andy Murray thing. He made the classic mistake of voicing what every true Scotsman thinks, i.e., that you always cheer for whoever's playing against the fu@cin' English.[:0]

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Andy Murray had been asked by an English journalist if he was supporting Scotland at the World Cup, knowing Scotland were not in it, so there was some provocation to which Murray replied he'd 'support anyone but England' as a joke. I tend to believe Murray was provoked and he has a temper, not anti English.

________Our behaviour is a function of our experience.

K Blackwell · June 2007

I'm not criticising Murray, he merely quoted what any good Scot would say. If he'd have said he supported England I would suspect him of being gay[:)]

ricadus · June 2007

It arrived this morning and as a result work time has been punctuated by period of browsing and skim reading. Looks interesting, especially as I got hooked on cycle sport at about the time he was leaving it, so a lot of the 1980s history is uncharted territory to me.

The book itself is somewhat poorly printed, on rough paper that will probably turn the colour of stewed tea within a year or so. There's a odd parallel with cycling here, in that the underlying quality of British books (not the writing but the physical object) often seem second-rate when compared with ones made in Europe or the US.

londonphoenix.co.uk

weyayeman · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by sing_for_absolution

Has anyone bought or ordered the book today? Just wondered.

tea is good
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/In-Search-of-Robe ... dZViewItem
Dolly Parton certainly has some big hits.

ricadus · June 2007

Thing is, if you buy secondhand, or a reviewer's unwanted copy of the book, then you're not supporting the author or the publisher who have invested their time & money on bringing it into existence.

londonphoenix.co.uk

Unknown · June 2007

Finished it this evening and will do some thoughts later. The email exchanges with the author are very interesting and I think he hit the nail on the head when talking about the BCF and road.... And his comment about why he'd vote SNP was amusing.

Bob sounds like a nice guy if you managed to get to know him.

top_bhoy · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ricadus

Thing is, if you buy secondhand, or a reviewer's unwanted copy of the book, then you're not supporting the author or the publisher who have invested their time & money on bringing it into existence.

londonphoenix.co.uk
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That argument could be used for anything!! For example, by buying a second hand Allez you're not supporting Specialized or their cycling partners - who have invested their time & money on bringing the bike into existence. The only difference between a book and the bike is the cost.

This is my bike:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p66/ ... ure001.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p66/ ... ure002.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p66/ ... ure003.jpg

Unknown · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by K Blackwell

I'm not criticising Murray, he merely quoted what any good Scot would say. If he'd have said he supported England I would suspect him of being gay[:)]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I don't agree with your summary of what you think Scots think of the English. If you hold a prejuidce, it doesn't mean others do. No good Scot is anti-English and good Englishmen don't make such generalisations either

________Our behaviour is a function of our experience.

peejay78 · June 2007

i started reading it yesterday; it's interesting, but unsurprisingly suffers from a lack of detailed involvement from millar. it's fairly well written, although not as good as rendell or fotheringham's prose. this is partly because of the title of the book and the problems associated with the (absence of the) subject, both of which have led to authorial incursion and some needless personal reflection. catch 22 though. i expect i'll finish it within the next 24 hours.

winter: http://tinyurl.com/2xkbbs
summer: http://tinyurl.com/2hsagv

peter_andrew · June 2007

At last
it arrived through the post yesterday. Now very tired as i read it until 2am. was the book that boring that it made me finally fall asleep.......... No! Fascinating and intriguing so far. Cant wait to see if Robert actually replied/talked directly with the author. Dont anybody spoil it for me now!!!

Peter

andrewgturnbull · June 2007

Hi there.

Richard Moore on radio Scotland now...

Cheers, Andy

http://www.stirlingtri.co.uk

cswebbo · June 2007

Got the book from Amazon on Saturday. Trying to find time to read it this week.
I 'met' Robert Millar on a Sporting Tours training camp near Calpe, Spain about 12 years or so ago. Nice guy, quiet, but would talk to you if approached. Gave good replies in a Q and A session on training/diet etc.
Best day was seeing Robert dissapear up the Col de Rates on his mountain bike with spd sandals on, with only 3-4 of the elite gb road team hanging on to his back wheel. When i finally got to the top he looked like he had just got on his bike.

rorycp · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by K Blackwell

Andy - Without a doubt Millar was Britain's best stage race rider and I have the DVD's of his successes. But the comment was that Millar was Britain's best ever cyclist; and by a long way.

Overall, in my opinion, and by other judges, Simpson was rated higher.

Of course some take it as a personal attack on their hero, like the Scot calling me a moron. Well, he should read the record books.

Or is wrong to voice an alternative opinion? Obviously not.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I think you're wrong as well. Millar was the most talented cyclist the UK has produced. King of the Mountains in all three major Tours and best placings of 4th, 2nd and 2nd in the Tour, Giro and Vuelta, in my view, is a more difficult achievement than winning one off single day races.

Unknown · June 2007

Ive just ordered it off Amazon, and came across this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Positively-Fals ... 193&sr=1-2

cant help feeling this might come back to bite..!

Also bad blood has a release date of June 2008!

Robert Millar book

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