Since the Tour is as complex as a Tolstoy novel, it might help for me to effect a few introductions. Many of the characters in this book are well known. Others, less so. But all are vital to my story.

LANCE ARMSTRONG

Lance â or Larry, as we have dubbed him â is the alpha and omega of the years I have covered on the Tour. Articulate, imperious, stubborn and subtle, he was the reason I became transfixed. Oh, and he won it seven times.

CHRIS BOARDMAN

In his time, Chris Boardman won Olympic medals, yellow jerseys and world records. Track or road, it mattered little. These days he spends his Julys working for ITV. He sweeps up with the same proficiency he used to ride a bike.

MARK CAVENDISH

Cavendish is the rider I have interviewed more than any other. Principally because his fifteen stage wins to date have coincided with my tenure as ITV's Tour de France reporter. For that reason alone, I feel a little possessive towards him. He may not share that feeling.

STEVE DOHERTY

Steve has produced or directed almost every Tour for British TV coverage since 1903. Here he is, circa 2009, struggling with the concept of a computer. A punctilious man with an understated passion for the sport and an ability to multitask under pressure while wearing perfectly creased shirts.

GARY IMLACH

Gary has covered every Tour de France for the last twenty years. He has presented the ITV coverage since 2002. He is universally accepted as one of sport's most admired and respected broadcasters. He does, however, eat tinned mackerel. And I have to share his lip-microphone sometimes.

PHIL LIGGETT

The Grand Man of the Microphone of the Telly of the Tour. Phil's voice has rung through decades of bike races all over the world, but when July comes, it rings loudest. Silver-haired, silver-tongued, shaven-legged: that's what he is.

LIAM MACLEOD

Liam is a fine cameraman and a splendid fellow. His work has brought to life everything I have done over the last four years of the Tour. An ardent Rangers fan with an Irish-sounding name, his confusion was only increased by his introduction to cycling. Like me, though, he's got the bug.

DAVID MILLAR

David Millar has been my Tour guide. His roller-coaster career has heaped triumph upon failure, rebirth upon disgrace. Lately he has taught me not to believe all that you see. But, equally, that without belief, we might as well all go home.

MATT RENDELL