ITV Tour de France commentator and acclaimed cycling author Matt Rendell joins us at the Victoria, Swindon, to look back on this year's Tour and share stories and insights from his life in cycling.

As well as giving his verdict on the very eventful 2021 Tour, Matt will be discussing his latest book - Colombia es Pasion: The Generation of Racing Cyclists Who Changed Their Nation and the Tour de France. Matt maintains that the way cyclists from small Colombian villages have risen to compete in (and win) the world's biggest cycle race is one of the greatest stories in sport. 

Matt will also talk about his previous works - including his acclaimed biography of the tragic 1998 Tour de France champion Marco Pantani, which was the basis for the film, The Accidental Death of a Cyclist; and Blazing Saddles: The Cruel and Unusual History of the Tour De France.

Alongside his seven cycling books and contributions to print and broadcast media, Matt has worked for several teams; lived in Italy, Spain, France, Latvia and Colombia; written a book about learning salsa; and has past lives as a university lecturer and jazz double-bassist.

Whether reflecting on his own remarkable life or the big themes of sporting history illuminated in his books, Matt is a great story-teller and we look forward to an evening of revealing and entertaining conversation. 

This is a great chance for cycling fans to hear the stories and views of one of the sport's leading observers in an intimate setting. There will be a chance to ask your own questions.

Tickets are £12 (also including booking fee).

The event will be hosted by Paul Ashman.

Praise for "Colombia es Pasion" by Matt Rendell

"Wonderful... explores a new generation who have beaten poverty, violence and corruption, and can now, via two wheels, tell a story of a more peaceful, happier nation" - The Observer

"Remarkable, a masterpiece, one of the best books written about cycling..." - Ned Boulting and David Millar, on the Never Strays Far podcast

"Enjoyable, authentic and thorough...this book will enrich your understanding of many of today's top riders and the long, arduous paths they've taken to reach the top of their sport"- The Inner Ring